Description
Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil combine in this classic Caprese salad from Italy. Fresh ingredients create a simple Mediterranean dish perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp flavors will delight you with each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 medium ripe tomatoes (1.5 lbs / 680 g), sliced into 0.25-inch rounds
- 1 lb (454 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 0.25-inch rounds
- ½ cup (120 mL) packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsps balsamic glaze
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds, creating a symmetrical and elegant base for the salad.
- Layer Composition: Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices in an overlapping, artful pattern on a clean serving platter, alternating colors to create visual interest and depth.
- Herb Infusion: Delicately tear fresh basil leaves to release their aromatic essence, then scatter them generously across the layered tomatoes and cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Seasoning Enhancement: Sprinkle premium flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper across the salad, carefully balancing the flavor profile with a light, even touch.
- Olive Oil Drizzle: Gracefully stream high-quality extra virgin olive oil in a circular motion, allowing the rich, fruity notes to complement the fresh ingredients and elevate the dish’s overall taste.
- Balsamic Finishing: Complete the caprese salad with an elegant zigzag of aged balsamic glaze, adding a sweet-tangy dimension that ties all the flavors together and provides a glossy, professional presentation.
- Serving Recommendation: Present immediately at room temperature to maximize the ingredients’ vibrant flavors, textures, and aromatic qualities.
Notes
- Choose Perfectly Ripe Tomatoes: Select deeply colored, firm yet slightly soft tomatoes that smell sweet and earthy, indicating peak ripeness and maximum flavor.
- Slice with Precision: Use a sharp serrated knife to create clean, even tomato and mozzarella slices, preventing crushing or tearing of delicate ingredients.
- Temperature Matters: Allow ingredients to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance natural flavors and ensure optimal taste and texture.
- Quality Ingredients are Key: Invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and aged balsamic glaze to elevate the simple yet classic Caprese salad experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg