CAPRESE SALAD

CAPRESE SALAD

Caprese Salad is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that celebrates simplicity and fresh ingredients. Originating from the island of Capri in Italy, this salad combines ripe, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. The balance of flavours is enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, along with a touch of salt and pepper to taste. The bright colours and fresh taste make it a perfect dish for summer lunches, light dinners, or as a show-stopping appetiser at a dinner party. Its simplicity allows for quick preparation without compromising on the bold flavours of Italian cuisine.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Appetisers, Side, Snack

SERVING SIZE

1 serving

CUISINE

Mediterranean, Italian

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

No-Cook, Quick & Easy, One-Pot Wonders

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Anniversary, Backyard BBQ, Birthday, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Cinco De Mayo, Cocktail Party, Easter, Engagement Party, Fall, Family Reunion, Fathers Day, Fourth of July, Graduation, Halloween, Hanukkah, Kentucky Derby, Mardi Gras, Memorial Day, Mothers Day, New Years Day, New Year’s Eve, Oscars, Party, Passover, Picnic, Poker / Game Night, Potluck, Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, Shower, Spring, St Patricks Day, Summer, Super Bowl, Tailgating, Thanksgiving, Valentines Day, Wedding, Winter

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Healthy, Low Fat, Gluten-Free, Quick & Easy, Vegetarian, Wheat/Gluten-Free

DISH TYPE

Salad, Appetiser, Side

INGREDIENTS

There are the following ingredients for Caprese Salad:

• 1 tomato, sliced

• 30g fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 2-3 fresh basil leaves

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 185

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Fibre: 1g

• Sodium: 230mg

PREPARATION

• Slice The Tomato And Mozzarella: Slice the tomato and mozzarella into even, medium-thick slices. This ensures the salad has balanced bites of juicy tomato and creamy mozzarella. Make sure the tomato is ripe but firm to avoid excess water running onto the plate.

• Arrange The Salad: On a plate or serving platter, alternate the slices of tomato and mozzarella, slightly overlapping each other. This creates a beautiful presentation and ensures each bite includes both ingredients. Tear fresh basil leaves and place them between the layers, allowing the flavour of the herb to infuse the other ingredients.

• Drizzle With Dressing: Mix the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Drizzle this mixture generously over the tomato, mozzarella and basil. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy-sweet element, while the olive oil enhances the richness of the mozzarella. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

• Serve Fresh: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired for a touch of green and added fragrance. The Caprese Salad is best enjoyed as soon as it’s prepared, as the ingredients taste most vibrant when freshly assembled.

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOKING TIME

None

TIPS

• Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great Caprese Salad is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Opt for vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavour. Choose mozzarella that is moist and tender. Look for fresh basil that is fragrant and free of wilting.

• Homemade Balsamic Reduction: To add an extra layer of depth to the dish, consider reducing the balsamic vinegar into a glaze. Simply simmer the vinegar over medium heat until it thickens, then drizzle it over the salad. The reduction will be sweeter and have a more concentrated flavour, complementing the fresh ingredients.

• Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season the salad generously with salt and pepper. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while the pepper adds a subtle kick that rounds out the dish.

• Serve Chilled: For the best experience on hot days, slightly chill the tomatoes and mozzarella before assembling. This makes the salad especially refreshing and ideal for summer picnics or barbecues.

VARIATIONS

• Add Avocado: If you want to add a creamy texture, include slices of ripe avocado. This will give the salad a buttery richness that pairs well with the tartness of the balsamic vinegar.

• Use Buffalo Mozzarella: Buffalo mozzarella has a richer, more pronounced flavour compared to cow’s milk mozzarella. Using buffalo mozzarella will elevate the dish, making it more indulgent.

• Roasted Veggies: For a more substantial salad, include roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. The smoky, slightly caramelised flavours of the roasted vegetables complement the freshness of the tomatoes and mozzarella.

• Pesto Drizzle: Swap the balsamic and olive oil for a drizzle of fresh basil pesto. This adds a nutty, herbaceous element to the dish.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Fridge Storage: If you need to prepare the Caprese Salad in advance, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers. The tomatoes and mozzarella will last up to 2 days in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the ingredients stay fresh and vibrant.

• Avoid Freezing: Due to the high water content of the tomatoes and the delicate texture of mozzarella, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing will make the tomatoes soggy and the cheese rubbery, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh.