Caprese Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
Caprese Salad Recipe
Description
The Caprese Salad Recipe assembles large tomato slices and fresh mozzarella cheese in alternating layers. Fresh basil leaves are inserted between the layers, adding herbal brightness. The salad is finished with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction, which provides a sweet acidity that complements the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes. A final seasoning of flaky sea salt and black pepper enhances the flavors and adds subtle texture contrasts.
This salad maintains the vibrant taste and texture of fresh ingredients without cooking. The combination results in a crisp, creamy, and aromatic dish that highlights the freshness of each component. Preparing the salad just before serving keeps the basil leaves whole and the tomatoes firm.
Caprese salad is commonly served as an appetizer or side dish during warmer months or alongside main meals. The recipe notes suggest experimenting with seasonal fruits such as peaches or nectarines as substitutes for tomatoes to create variations based on availability.
A homemade balsamic reduction enhances the salad’s flavor more than store-bought versions. The simple preparation emphasizes freshness and balance in each bite.
Ingredients
- 3 tomato sliced, large
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese sliced
- basil fresh, handful, leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic reduction
- sea salt flaky sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
- black pepper flaky sea salt; freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the tomato and cheese. Add a slice of tomato to a plate, then add a slice of mozzarella on top. Keep alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella until you've used up all of the ingredients.
- Add the basil. Place fresh basil leaves in between the layers. I prefer smaller basil leaves to keep them whole, but if you have large basil leaves you can cut them up.
- Finishing touches. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic reduction on top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Prepare the balsamic reduction separately for better flavor than store-bought options.
- Try substituting tomatoes with seasonal fruits like peaches or nectarines for variation.
- Use smaller basil leaves whole to maintain texture; larger leaves can be cut if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 255 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 255kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 360mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 262mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1152IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 296mg | 30% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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