Caprese Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
163 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
Caprese Salad
Description
The Caprese Salad recipe layers fresh bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and torn basil leaves dressed with a vinaigrette made from minced garlic, Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This dressing enhances the simple ingredients with subtle acidity and herbal notes.
The salad is assembled by tossing the tomatoes, bocconcini, and most of the basil with the dressing, then transferring to a serving dish. Just before serving, a balsamic glaze is drizzled over the top along with the remaining basil leaves. This adds a sweet and tangy depth that complements the creamy mozzarella and fresh tomato flavors. The salad is best served immediately to preserve basil's vibrant color and balance in textures.
Variations include using dried herbs if fresh basil is unavailable. The balsamic glaze is a reduced syrup that provides concentrated flavor and is used sparingly. Preparation notes recommend assembling close to serving time to maintain freshness.
Ingredients
- 220 bocconcini halved (Note 1, or baby or cherry mozzarella, quantity about 7oz/g
- 500 g cherry tomatoes halved, or grape tomatoes, quantity 1 lb
- 1/2 cup basil torn or roughly chopped, leaves
- balsamic glaze for drizzling (Note 2, aka balsamic reduction
Caprese Salad Dressing:
- 1 garlic minced, small clove
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (or other non spicy mustard)
- 2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (Note 3)
- 1/4 tsp oregano parsley, thyme (or rosemary, dried
- 1/2 tsp salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Place Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake very well. Adjust to taste.
- Place tomatoes, bocconcini and most of the basil in a bowl. Drizzle over dressing, toss gently.
- Transfer to shallow serving bowl. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with remaining basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Bocconcini refers to fresh mozzarella balls approximately the size of cherry tomatoes.
- Balsamic glaze (or reduction) is balsamic vinegar simmered with sugar until thickened, used sparingly for intense flavor.
- You can substitute different clear vinegars in the dressing, adjusting oil and vinegar ratios to taste.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to prevent basil leaves from turning dark.
- For a herb variation, use mixed dried herbs if fresh basil is not available.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 163 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 163cal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 13mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 234mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 187mg | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 515IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 19.4mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 144mg | 14% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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