Caprese Salad
User Reviews
5
Caprese Salad
Description
The salad uses a variety of fresh tomatoes—such as vine-ripened, heirloom, cherry, Campari, or Roma—cut into bite-sized pieces to offer juicy brightness. Small mozzarella balls called ciliegine maintain a delicate texture alongside fresh basil leaves, which contribute fragrance and a mild herbal note. Olive oil coats the ingredients, enhancing mouthfeel and melding the flavors with salt and pepper seasoning.
Drizzling balsamic glaze introduces a concentrated sweetness and acidity, enriching the salad without overpowering its simple components. Tossing ingredients gently ensures even flavor distribution while preserving the integrity of the delicate cheese and basil.
This salad can be served as a starter, side dish, or light lunch. Using fresh and seasonal tomatoes alongside quality balsamic glaze and mozzarella highlights the best qualities of all components.
Variations include chopping basil instead of using whole leaves or substituting fresh mozzarella cubes for balls. Balsamic glaze is thicker and more flavor-concentrated than vinegar, available near vinegars or salad dressings at most stores.
Ingredients
- 5 cups tomato cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese such as ciliegine, small balls
- 1/2 cup basil leaves small
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Place the tomatoes, mozzarella balls and basil leaves in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Pour the olive oil over the tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal tomatoes such as heirloom, vine-ripened, cherry, Campari, or Roma for best flavor.
- Whole small basil leaves work well, though chopped basil may be used if preferred.
- Small mozzarella balls known as ciliegine from the deli section provide a tender texture; fresh mozzarella cubes can be substituted.
- Balsamic glaze is thicker and has a richer flavor than regular balsamic vinegar, enhancing the salad's taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 232kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Sodium | 363mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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