This Italian classic that screams summer on a plate is usually considered off-limits to health-freaks due to its high fat content. There is no reason to exclude mozzarella in a wholesome diet though. A great source of protein, calcium, vitamin A and K, this salad is a valuable contribution to your micronutrient intake. Just balance out your saturated fat consumption in the rest of your meals!

Easy on the rock salt!

Maldon salt or rock salt delivers both texture and flavour, but easy does it. Mozzarella, like most cheeses is already high in salt and there is no real need to be adding any more. It is in fact perfectly possible to leave out the salt all together, the dish packs enough flavour as it is.

The goodness that is olive oil

Another ingredient claimed to be a super food, olive oil is packed with Vitamin E, but it’s also considered anti-inflammatory and heck yes, it is delicious too. Unlike the solid, artery-clogging fats in butter, olive oil is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats that may actually lower your risk of heart disease and play a protective role in stroke prevention.

In countries where the population adheres to the Mediterranean Diet, such as Spain, Greece and Italy, where olive oil is the principal source of fat, rates of cancer incidence are lower than in northern European countries. Experimental and human cellular studies have provided new evidence on this potential protective effect of olive oil on cancer. Results of some case-control and cohort studies suggest that monounsaturated fat intake, including olive oil, is associated with a reduction in cancer risk.