A Formal Appetizer for ANY Occasion

Well, I’m so glad to be back.  I’ve been away due to illness. I was close to getting pneumonia and was really down and out. Thank goodness for Rx!!

Before I was too ill, I created and entered an appetizer video to the RWOP (Real Women of Philadelphia) Season 2 Video Contest. Below is the entry and the recipe.

Formal Mediterranean Salad Squares 

With ingredients that would be used in a Mediterranean salad, this appetizer lends so many wonderful Mediterranean flavors. The spread, containing ingredients that would be used in a dressing includes notes of lemon and red bell pepper with the creaminess of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Not only is it easy to create, your guests will think you hired a caterer. Everyone needs an appetizer that can be served at a multitude of events. This one is a winner for any event.

Such a great, tasty appetizer! Hope you Enjoy!

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Formal Mediterranean Salad Squares

Yields: 24 – 26 appetizers 10 – 12 Servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 14 minutes

Total time: 42 minutes

Ingredients:

13.8oz. can pizza dough

1 teaspoon dried basil

Spread:

8 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese, at room temperature

2 Tablespoons olive oil

3 teaspoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/3 cup red bell pepper, minced and strained

Toppings:

2 handfuls, or more mixed salad greens, chopped

14oz. can or 5-7 marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped

2 avocados, halved, pitted and coarsely chopped

2/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped

8oz. package Kraft® Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a Touch of PHILADELPHIA

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray or grease a 13×9-inch dark or nonstick cookie sheet.

Unroll dough on cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out dough into 13×9-inch rectangle. Sprinkle basil evenly over dough. Prick dough all over with fork. Bake for 8 minutes in center rack in preheated oven.

While dough bakes, combine spread ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or blender, if necessary.

Remove dough from oven. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over dough. Top with greens, artichokes, avocados and olives; sprinkle with cheeses. Return pan to oven and bake 6-8 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Cut into 1-1/2 to 2-inch squares. Serve warm.

Tip:Do all steps up to sprinkling with mozzarella cheese. Cover pan with foil and refrigerate until time to bake the remaining 6-8 minutes. Or take to an event and then bake and serve.