Berry Caprese Salad with Chicken Quesadillas

You would've  had to be there to fully appreciate the stunning moon/fireworks display over the lake last night. My phone camera did not do "justice " to its splendor. 

A full July moon in North America is often called the Buck Moon, Thunder Moon or Hay Moon. At this time of year, buck deer begin to grow velvety antlers, while farmers are working to put hay in their barns, and trying to avoid the summer season’s frequent thunder showers. Of course here in Minnesota, we are just trying to stay cool. 

Here are some really easy food ideas. One requires no cooking.

  Berry Caprese Salad (Red White and Blue)

Cook's Notes: The perfect side to a BBQ meal. 

Cooking Tip: Refrigerate mixed fruits in a bowl until serving. Add mozzarella pearls and drizzle with balsamic just before serving. Garnish with fresh basil. 

Ingredients:

• Diced strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries
• Mozzarella Pearls (balls found in deli) 
• Dark Balsamic Vinegar good quality (I used Chocolate Balsamic) 
• Fresh basil

Directions: 

• Mix fruits, mozzarella pearls and drizzle with balsamic. 

Chicken Quesadillas with Caprese Berry Salad

Cook's Notes: I raided the refrig for this meal. I used leftover chicken, sweet peppers. onions and cheese. You could be even more creative by adding in diced avocados and tomatoes, black beans, corn or whatever you have on hand. The quesadillas were served with salsa. LOL it was so hot outside as I was trying to get a photo, the salsa kept sliding off the lettuce! I used the griddle part of my panini maker but a fry pan works just as well. 
This was the perfect amount for 2 for lunch.   
Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken slices or pieces
• Red and yellow mini sweet peppers
• Onions
• Grated Colby Jack cheese (cheddar would work too) 
• 6 inch flour tortillas
• Olive oil

Directions:

• Stir fry onions and peppers in a little olive oil. Add in chicken pieces to warm them up. 

• Heat pan that has been lightly greased.  Place chicken mixture on one half of tortilla. 

• Fold other half over and cook until warm, cheese melts and toasted on both sides.