Heirloom Caprese Salad with Kalamata Olive Vinaigrette
This salad combines large chunks of colorful heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, thinly sliced red onion, creamy mozzarella balls, and a scattering of kalamata olives. It is dressed lightly with a homemade kalamata olive vinaigrette made by blending olives, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. The mixture offers a balance of fresh, tangy, and slightly savory flavors with a bright herbal note from basil and thyme garnish. Its fresh ingredients and rich vinaigrette make it suitable as a simple starter or side dish best enjoyed immediately after assembly.
Ingredients
- 4-6 heirloom tomatoes in assorted colors, good sized
- cherry tomatoes multi-colored, handful
- basil fresh plucked, large handful, leaves
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced, small
- 4 mozzarella about 7 ounces, sliced, bocconcini sized balls, fresh
- 1 cup kalamata olives
Kalamata vinaigrette
- 5 kalamata olives pitted
- 1 clove garlic
- 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil possibly more for thinning
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- black pepper sea salt and fresh cracked, to taste
- salt sea salt and fresh cracked, to taste
garnish
- basil fresh leaves
- thyme fresh
Instructions
- Chop the heirloom tomatoes into large bite sized chunks. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Put the onions, tomatoes, and basil into a large shallow salad bowl. Nestle the mozzarella slices in and among the tomatoes. Scatter the olives across the top. Add more fresh cracked pepper over all and garnish with more basil and thyme.
- Use a small food processor to blitz the vinaigrette ~ add more olive oil if it is too thick. Taste and add more vinegar if you like, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the salad lightly drizzled with the dressing, and provide extra on the side.
- This salad is best eaten right away.
Notes
- Use ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor; regular ripe tomatoes can substitute if unavailable.
- Burrata cheese is a good alternative to mozzarella, best served centrally for scooping.
- The kalamata vinaigrette can be replaced with a simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar or balsamic syrup.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 -6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 274
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 274kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 8.3g | 3% |
| Protein | 8.6g | 17% |
| Fat | 23.5g | 36% |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6g | 33% |
| Sodium | 381.6mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 2.1g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4.5g | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.