Avocado Strawberry Caprese Salad

gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free

This will be your new favorite summer salad! A delightful combination of strawberries, avocado, basil, and tomatoes all tossed with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil and drizzled with homemade balsamic reduction.

Serves 2

Prep Time - 10 Minutes

Cook time - 10 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (80 mL) balsamic vinegar

• 1 cup (135 g) hulled and sliced strawberries

• 1 cup (160 g) grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 medium ripe avocado, pitted and diced

• 1/3 cup (8 g) loosely packed basil leaves, chiffonade cut

• 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Pink Himalayan salt or fine sea salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Toasted sesame seeds or chopped pecans, for serving

• Fresh Mozzarella (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the vinegar to a simmer over medium heat. Once the vinegar starts to simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 6 to 10 minutes, uncovered, until the vinegar thickens, and reduces in volume by half. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, add the strawberries, tomatoes, avocado, and basil into a large shallow bowl.

3. Drizzle on the oil and gently toss until the veggies are coated. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss again just briefly.

4. Scatter on your desired amount of toasted seeds or nuts or mozzarella. Drizzle on all of the balsamic reduction.

5. Serve immediately. This salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for a few hours if necessary.