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Caprese Salad
5 from 3 votes

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is one of the most vibrant and gorgeous salads that you will ever serve. Be sure to seek out the best beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes from your local farmer's market. Cherry tomatoes will work, too. The easy homemade pesto sauce and balsamic reduction put it over the top.

Prep Time
10 mins
Additional Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 428 kcal
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 3 medium tomato fresh, ripe, cored and sliced
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese fresh, sliced
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • ¼ cup pesto sauce click the link for easy recipe
  • ¼ cup balsamic glaze see NOTES
  • ¼ cup basil fresh, chopped
  • extra-virgin olive oil for garnish

Instructions

Make-Ahead
    Cup of Yum
  1. The pesto sauce and balsamic glaze can be made several days in advance.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Lightly salt and pepper one side of each tomato slice.
  2. On a medium-sized platter, layer the tomato slices alternatively with the mozzarella slices.
  3. Drizzle the pesto sauce and then the balsamic glaze over the top of the salad.
  4. Sprinkle the fresh basil on top and serve with a slight drizzle of the extra-virgin olive oil when serving or just before.

Notes

  • SEE VIDEO IN POST for more detailed instruction on how to make this dish. 
  • Seek out farm-fresh tomatoes, if possible. This is will you will get the most amazing flavor.
  • Halved cherry tomatoes (fresh) are delicious in place of the sliced whole tomatoes. 
  • You can find good-quality pesto sauce and balsamic glaze in most well-stocked supermarkets.  However, homemade is ALWAYS a great option.
  • To make the balsamic glaze, simply add 1½ cups of good-quality balsamic to a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat.  Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until reduced and thickened.  Don't reduce too much, or it will become bitter.  The balsamic glaze will keep in a jar or container with a lid in the fridge for several weeks. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 428kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 50g (17%) Protein 32g (64%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 95mg (32%) Sodium 989mg (41%) Potassium 978mg (21%) Fiber 6g (24%) Sugar 25g (50%) Vitamin A 5407IU (108%) Vitamin C 52mg (58%) Calcium 720mg (72%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 428

% Daily Value*

Calories 428kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 50g 17%
Protein 32g 64%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 95mg 32%
Sodium 989mg 41%
Potassium 978mg 21%
Fiber 6g 24%
Sugar 25g 50%
Vitamin A 5407IU 108%
Vitamin C 52mg 58%
Calcium 720mg 72%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.