Insalata Caprese

I can count on my husband, I can count on my family, I can count on my friends, and I can count on my Keurig!!! 

My mug of keurig brew helped me prepare for a new track at the 6 a.m. PowerPump class at the gym this morning.

In addition, I had a VitaMuffin.  These muffins are so moist and delicious.  After eating this muffin this morning, I wished I added Naturally More PB to it like yesterday’s muffin……ohh PB and chocolate you were meant to be together!

We started a new routine this morning in PowerPump.  It was challenging alone, not to mention that I haven’t been to PowerPump in over a week.

Breakfast

Some oats and coffee while catching up on the blog….

French pressed coffee with truvia and frothed skim milk.  Cinnamon ‘n’ spice oats:

Yum, yum, yum.

Lunch

Last night I met a friend at Earth Fare.  While walking around the store, a woman asked us if we wanted coupons for FREE Earth Fare chicken salad.  Of course!!  What we didn’t know was that it was for a free POUND of chicken salad…..that’s $10 worth!!

My lunch was created around free Earth Fare chicken salad….

My chicken salad was on an Ezekiel tortilla with mixed greens and spinach.  The chicken salad is made with cranberries and pecans…..it was a great combo!  Cherries, carrot, and celery on the side.

Snack

The afternoon at work was nuts.  Back to back appointments with no break made for a busy afternoon and a really hungry ME!  Therefore, I didn’t get to eat the snack I had packed.     Snack stash to the rescue…..

These were eaten at separate times, when time allowed. 

Also, there is a large container of veggie chips floating around at work

I ate a couple of handfuls throughout the afternoon, too

Dinner

Dinner was sooooo easy and soooo good!

A week or 2 ago, I asked you all for dinner ideas.  I got lots of great ideas, many that I’ve bookmarked in my brain for future meals.  I thumbed through those brain bookmarks tonight    and decided on Michelle‘s suggestion, a caprese salad.

A caprese salad is sooo simple, but yet sooo delicious!  Insalata Caprese basically means the salad from Capir.  It is the perfect summertime dish, it can be made in a hurry, and is just dang good! 

Last night while I was at Earth Fare, I was shocked that I could buy a whole basil plant for cheaper than I could buy already cut basil.  Therefore, I just bought a whole plant.

YAY for it being organic!!! 

This basil smells so delicious and fresh!

I threw together my caprese salad together quickly by slicing up an heirloom tomato, slicing a fresh ball of mozzarella, topping it all with fresh clipped basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, pepper, and sea salt

This salad is table centerpiece worthy

While I was putting this salad together, some whole wheat penne pasta was heating up on the stove.

Caprese salad usually served as a appetizer-type dish, but I decided to pair it with pasta for another 1-dish wonder.  Russell and I each had 2/3 cup pasta topped with caprese salad on top

The basil was so fresh and delicious.  Next time I make this salad I’ll add even more basil! 

Off to finish watch the Bachelorette!!    I’m still thinking Roberto or Chris are her best picks.  What do you think??