Description
Caprese salad celebrates Italian culinary simplicity with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, this Mediterranean classic invites you to savor summer’s purest flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy:
- 12–16 ounces (340–454 grams) fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼ inch thick
Fresh Produce:
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ripe tomatoes, (3–4 medium) sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 bunch fresh basil, (⅓ cup basil leaves)
Seasonings and Dressings:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, or added to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Carefully select vine-ripened tomatoes and slice them into uniform, thin rounds (approximately 1/4 inch or 0.6 centimeters thick) on a clean cutting board.
- Spread the tomato slices in an artful, slightly overlapping pattern across a pristine white serving platter.
- Cut fresh mozzarella into equally thin slices, matching the tomato thickness, and delicately place each slice between the tomato rounds.
- Gently nestle whole, vibrant basil leaves in the spaces between the mozzarella and tomato, allowing their emerald edges to peek through.
- Sprinkle high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly across the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a balanced seasoning.
- Finish the dish by drizzling cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in a gentle, circular motion, followed by a light zigzag of aged balsamic glaze for a glossy, tangy finish.
Notes
- Select perfectly ripe, vibrant tomatoes with deep color and firm texture for the best flavor and presentation.
- Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella that’s soft and creamy, preferably made from buffalo milk for authentic Italian taste.
- Layer ingredients carefully to create a visually appealing and balanced arrangement that highlights each component’s natural beauty.
- Use premium extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic glaze to elevate the salad’s richness and add complex, sweet-tangy notes.
- Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the optimal temperature and prevent basil leaves from wilting or turning dark.
- Experiment with different tomato varieties like heirloom or cherry tomatoes for unique color and taste variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg