Roasted Pepper Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

I created this colorful salad for a 4-H project and took it all the way to the state competition, where I won first place! I’d love to have my own Italian restaurant someday.

Roasted Pepper Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Average Rating: 4.555555

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. + marinating Broil: 20 min. + standing
YIELD: 5 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 each large sweet yellow, red and green peppers
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon each minced fresh oregano, rosemary, basil and parsley
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 carton (8 ounces) fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
  • 5 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  • 1. Broil peppers 4 in. from the heat until skins blister, about 5 minutes. With tongs, rotate peppers a quarter turn. Broil and rotate until all sides are blistered and blackened. Immediately place peppers in a large bowl; cover and let stand for 20 minutes.
  • 2. Peel off and discard charred skin. Remove stems and seeds. Cut peppers into thin strips; place in a large bowl. Add onion.
  • 3. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic, garlic powder, cayenne, pepper and salt; pour over pepper mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
  • 4. Before serving, allow peppers to come to room temperature. Place on a serving plate; top with tomatoes, cheese and basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 346 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.