Sicilian Salad with Roasted Red Pepper and Kalamata Olive

This vegetarian lunch is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and heart-healthy fats.

A strong cardiovascular system will keep your skin better nourished and ward off wrinkles longer. There are lots of ways to a healthier heart, but one of the most fun tactics is building a repertoire of really good eats. Treat your body, and your skin to this Mediterranean Sicilian salad packed with antioxidants and sprinkled with cheese.

QUIZ: Is Your Skin Healthy?

What: Roasted Red Pepper and Kalamata Olive Sicilian Salad

Why it’s great: Olives contain high amounts of monounsaturated fats, which help keep arteries clear. Flavonoids also help the arteries to stay young.

What you’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups packed romaine lettuce
• 1 ½ cups escarole or curly endive
•  ½ cup yellow tomatoes
•  ½ jar (3 ½ oz.) roasted red bell peppers, drained, cut into short, thin strips
• 4 pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• ⅛ cup golden raisins
•  ¾ Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
•  1 ½ Tbs white balsamic vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbs crumbled feta or soft goat cheese, if desired

How to make it:
In a large bowl, combine escarole lettuce, bell peppers, olives, tomatoes and raisins. Combine oil and vinegar. Add to lettuce mixture. Toss well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to two plates. Top with cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Info Per Serving:
Calories 140
Fat 7.6 grams
Aging fats 2 grams
Fiber 2.6 grams
Carbs 14.9 grams
Protein 3.1 grams
Sodium 322 milligrams
Potassium 424 milligrams

MORE: Exercise to Rebuild Your Heart