If you are like me, you’ve decided that you are going to focus more on health and self care. Have you wanted to find ways to eat better and it still to be tasty? That was my concern for not only this year, but always. And that is how I created this recipe. I remember seeing someone on a food show make their version of quinoa caprese salad, but when I went to make it, I could not find it among my recipes! So I decided to make up my own version. It’s full of flavor and is a wonderful substitute for a starch filled side dish. I hope you try it.

1 c quinoa (I used red but any will work)
2 c water
1/2 c chicken stock
3/4 c balsamic vinegar
7 oz Bocconcini Mozzarella balls, (minis) cut in halves
1/2 c cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in halves
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (cut into thin strips)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Cook the quinoa in 2 c water and 1/2 c chicken stock for 20 minutes. (As instructed on the package)

Boil 3/4 c balsamic vinegar for about 20-30 minutes to slightly thicken to about 1/2 c.
Mix together the quinoa, mozzarella balls (cut into half), cherry/grape tomatoes (halves), chiffinade of fresh basil, s/p.

Mix well. It makes a lot!

Happy cooking!