It’s probably safe to say that we all never seem to have enough time in the day. I’m merely working a job and going to school, some of us are doing that plus a second job. Then there’s all the parents having to do everything AND raise a family. I often find myself getting ready to eat dinner later and later, and by 10:00 I don’t really have enough energy to make a nice meal, nor do I have the time. Luckily for me, all students, and busy parents our Heat & Eat collection of products make it easy to make delicious, restaurant quality meals in a matter of minutes!

Using our Heat & Eat pizzas and a handful of other ingredients I can guarantee you a nice dinner or lunch in only five minutes! We’ll be making a caprese salad to go along with the Heat & Eat Pizza of your choice. To be able to start cooking and eating in five minutes I’m going with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette rather than a glaze or reduction.

Check out these recipes to see what you’ll need for your caprese salad:

https://downshiftology.com/recipes/caprese-salad/

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/caprese-salad-recipe-1939232

For a salad using a balsamic reduction, check this recipe out:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/caprese-salad-recipe-3381696

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• Preheat your device

Oven or barbecue, it doesn’t matter! Fire it up and get ready to get cooking! If you’re using an oven, we recommend cranking it to 475° F. Off to an easy start right? 

• Slice your tomatoes and cheese

Grab your knife and get to slicing! The number of tomatoes and mozzarella you use all depends on the number of mouths you have to feed. As for the tomato to cheese ratio, I’d say that’s more of a personal preference. I like an even split, but some may enjoy more mozzarella. After all, taste and cooking is subjective, so go for what makes you (and your) tummy happy!

• Toss your pizza

Your oven or barbecue should be nice and warm by now. Slide the pizza in and let the device do all the work for you. Exact times will vary by appliance, but it will only take a few minutes to cook the pizza, so you’ll need to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn. 

• Plate and dress your salad

My favourite part of making a caprese salad may be plating it. You can lay it out in rows, alternating between rows of cheese and tomatoes. You can spiral the salad, make rings, or circles. For even more creativity alternate between slices of the tomatoes and cheese. If you want some basil (and who wouldn’t!) add it in. When it comes to the dressing, for simplicity and quickness, drizzle the olive oil over everything and do the same with the balsamic vinaigrette if you desire. Season with some salt and pepper, and voila! All done!

• Remove your pizza, slice and serve

The timing should be right on, but if you finish preparing your salad before the pizza is ready, that’s A-OK. That’s just more time to keep a watchful eye on the pizza. Once it’s cooked to perfection, take it out and slice it up!

• Manja!

The final step is the best one! Eat!