Afternoon Delight: Caprese Salad

Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day—but for me, the afternoon snack is essential.

You know that time, around 3 or 4 p.m., when the day starts to drag and you're looking for any excuse to leave your desk? That also happens to be the moment Judy in the office puts out a fresh bag of candy or someone sets down leftover birthday cake from the weekend. Sometimes it’s boredom, sometimes it’s genuine hunger. But I’ve found that a well-planned afternoon snack can be the key to staying on track.

For years, I skipped it. I’d tell myself, “Save those calories—you’re heading home soon, and dinner’s just around the corner.” But that wasn’t really true. Dinner was still hours away, and I’d walk through the door starving. I'd end up snacking while “assembling” dinner for everyone and, before I knew it, I’d practically eaten a whole meal before sitting down for the actual one.

That’s why the afternoon snack has become non-negotiable. It stops the mindless munching. It adds a little extra nutrition to my day. And it helps me approach dinner—yes, even dinner out—with a clearer head and a calmer stomach. When you're not ravenous, you tend to make better food choices.

My go-to? Caprese salad.

It’s perfect for nearly every situation. Quick and easy for an afternoon pick-me-up, elegant enough for an appetizer, and ideal for parties. Best of all, it’s not really cooking—it’s assembling. That’s what I love about it.

I grab multicolor cherry or grape tomatoes (they’re extra sweet and add a pop of color), mozzarella balls or pre-sliced logs (because yes, I don’t always want to cut cheese), and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. That’s it. Quick, fresh, delicious.

Pro tip: Keep a container of tomatoes and mozzarella at work and make one fresh each day. And don’t forget—Caprese makes a great restaurant appetizer or party platter too.