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How to Make a Vibrant Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad

This Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all brought together with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. This salad is ideal for a light lunch or as an appetizer for any Italian-inspired meal.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

Servings

4

Difficulty

Beginner

Simple Summary

A classic Italian-inspired Tomato and Mozzarella Salad that combines fresh, juicy tomatoes with creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing and elegant dish.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 16 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves.

  2. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick slices.

  3. On a large serving platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern, slightly overlapping each other.

  4. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices.

  5. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged salad.

  6. Lightly drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad in a zigzag pattern.

  7. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to taste.

  8. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  9. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad.

Chef's Notes

  • For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom varieties can add beautiful color to your salad.
  • If you can't find fresh mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella or burrata make excellent substitutes.
  • To make your own balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over low heat until reduced by half.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving.
  • For a twist, try adding some sliced avocado or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate):

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 28g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and mozzarella)
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Vitamin C: 30% of daily value
  • Calcium: 40% of daily value

This salad is rich in antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil, and provides a good source of protein and calcium from the mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a light lunch with a side of crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious juices.
  • Present as an appetizer before a main course of grilled chicken or fish.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti.
  • For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled vegetables and a small portion of whole grain pasta.
  • Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of dried oregano for extra flavor and visual appeal.