ROASTED PEPPER SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Roasted Pepper Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette image

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.-Seth Murdoch, Red Rock, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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

Steps:

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., Peel off and discard charred skin. Remove stems and seeds. Cut peppers into thin strips; place in a large bowl. Add onion., 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., Before serving, allow peppers to come to room temperature. Place on a serving plate; top with tomatoes, cheese and basil leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346 calories, Fat 27g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 196mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 11g protein.