Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just 10 magical minutes – a Caprese salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy! This simple yet extraordinary recipe transforms just a handful of fresh ingredients into a masterpiece that looks as stunning as it tastes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick, gourmet lunch, this Caprese salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 large tomatoes, 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze if desired.
- Wash the tomatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Aim for uniformity in thickness for even presentation and flavor distribution.
- Next, slice the fresh mozzarella into similar 1/4-inch thick slices. If the mozzarella is packed in water, gently drain it and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Take the fresh basil leaves and rinse them under cold water to ensure they are clean. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- On a large serving platter or individual plates, start layering the salad. Begin with a slice of tomato, followed by a slice of mozzarella, and then a basil leaf. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, alternating between tomato and mozzarella slices, and placing a basil leaf between them.
- Once the layering is complete, drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad, ensuring that each slice gets a touch of the rich flavor.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt, as mozzarella can be slightly salty on its own.
- If desired, finish the dish by drizzling balsamic glaze over the top for a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing the fresh flavors to shine. Enjoy your Caprese salad served many ways!
Tips
- • Choose the ripest, most vibrant tomatoes you can find – they're the star of this dish! • Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella – preferably buffalo mozzarella for authentic flavor • Let ingredients come to room temperature before serving to maximize flavor • For the best presentation, use a sharp knife to create uniform, thin slices • Don't overdress the salad – the beauty is in the fresh, simple ingredients • Invest in a good quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze • If possible, use fresh basil leaves straight from the garden or a potted plant • Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the peak of freshness • Experiment with different tomato varieties like heirloom or cherry tomatoes for variety • Consider a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor boost
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
