Caprese Salad Recipe
Servings 8 servings (may vary)
Calories 230kcal
Ingredients
- 4 medium beefsteak, vine ripened or heirloom tomatoes sliced 1/3-inch thick
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese sliced 1/3-inch thick
- 1 large bunch fresh basil leaves stems removed
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2-3 Tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1-2 tsp sea salt adjust to taste
- 1/2-1 tsp cracked black pepper adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Prep the tomatoes and the cheese cutting into 1/3-inch slices.
- On a large plate or serving platter, arrange slices of tomatoes and mozzarella in an alternating pattern.
- Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze and season with sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
- Arrange basil leaves on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
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- Use the Freshest Ingredients - This salad is all about freshness. Choose in-season tomatoes that are ripe, but firm when gently squeezed.
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- Salt - You can use pink sea salt, flaky sea salt or table salt.
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- Tomatoes - You can use heirlooms, vine-ripened, campari tomatoes, or beefsteak tomatoes in this recipe. You could also use a variety of yellow and red tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. Just keep it simple.
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- Cheese - Use high-quality mozzarella, preferably fresh or buffalo. You can buy fresh mozzarella cheese already sliced. If the cheese you're using isn't sliced, use a knife to slice the cheese the same thickness as the tomatoes.
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- Fresh Herbs - Use fresh bright green basil leaves. You could also use fresh oregano.
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- Choose a Good Olive Oil - Olive oil serves as the dressing for the salad so I highly recommend using a good one. A peppery, fruity extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor, don’t skimp on quality here.
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- Salt Just Before Serving - Salt brings out the flavor of the tomatoes, but if added too early, it can make them watery. Season right before serving for the best texture.
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- Balsamic Glaze is Optional, but Delicious - A light drizzle of balsamic glaze (not the same as plain balsamic vinegar) adds a sweet tangy note, but use it sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the dish. There are many brands readily available in most grocery stores. I used Bertolli.
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- Southern Style - You can add fresh peach slices to the mix for a delicious Southern twist.
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- Balsamic Reduction - See how to make your own Balsamic Glaze Here.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 652mg | Potassium: 338mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1412IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 1mg