Nana's Italian Tomato Salad
Servings: 4-6
Source: My Nana

2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup canola oil

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. I like to chill it for an hour or two, but serve it the same day it is prepared. Have some good crusty bread to soak up the leftover sauce in the bottom of the bowl.

Tomato Basil Pizza
Servings: 4
Source: Adapted from Cooking Light

1 garlic clove, peeled
1 cup basil leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
7 ounces roasted red peppers
1 large Boboli crust
4 ounces part skim milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
dash crushed red pepper

Preheat oven to 450°.

Put garlic, basil and next 6 ingredients (through bell peppers) in a blender, and process until smooth, scraping sides of bowl once.

Place pizza crust on a baking sheet. Spread pepper mixture over pizza crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border; sprinkle with mozzarella. Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer on top of the cheese. Bake at 450° for 10 minutes. Sprinkle pizza with oregano and crushed red pepper.

Tortellini and Arugula Salad
Servings: 6
Source: Cooking Light Jan/Feb 06

2 9 ounce packages cheese tortellini
1 pound asparagus, 1.5 inch sliced
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups arugula
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
3 ounces Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
1 14 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Add asparagus to pasta during last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain.

While pasta cooks, combine vinegars, oil, and pepper in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add pasta mixture, arugula, and remaining ingredients; toss to coat.