Ciliegine Caprese with Quinoa and Bacon Vinaigrette
This savory grain salad is made with protein rich quinoa and IL Villaggio Ciliegine Mozzarella. It calls for tomatoes two ways for even more tomato flavor. There are fresh cherry tomatoes and caramelized, oven roasted tomatoes. The finishing touch is a scrumptious bacon vinaigrette.
Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cups assorted cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup oven-roasted tomatoes
  • 8 oz IL Villaggio Ciliegine Mozzarella
  • 14 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Bacon vinaigrette

  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 Tbsp shallot
  • 2 tsp Dijon
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1/3 cup IL Villaggio Balsamic Vinegar PGI
  • 1/2 or more olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

 

Instructions

Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and add bacon. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crisp. Remove, drain grease, and allow to cool 10 minutes.

Meanwhile in a medium mixing bowl add garlic, shallot, Dijon, honey, and IL Villaggio Balsamic Vinegar. Slowly add a thin stream of olive oil into the bowl, whisking continuously.

Chop bacon and add to dressing. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

In a large bowl add quinoa, cherry tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, and IL Villaggio Ciliegine Mozzarella. Add bacon vinaigrette and toss well to combine. Top with fresh basil leaves, and gently mix in.