classic-caprese-salad-balsamic-glaze

Classic Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

TOTAL
15min
PREP
15min
COOK
0min
Easy

Experience the taste of Italy with this incredibly simple yet elegant Caprese salad. Featuring ripe, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with premium olive oil and a sweet balsamic glaze.

250 Calories
12g Protein
8g Carbs
20g Fats

*Nutrition per serving

Salad
Appetizer
Italian
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Servings: 4
500g (1.1 lb) Ripe Tomatoes
250g (8.8 oz) Fresh Mozzarella
30g (1 cup, loosely packed) Fresh Basil Leaves
60ml (1/4 cup) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
30ml (2 tbsp) Balsamic Glaze
5g (1 tsp) Sea Salt
2g (1/2 tsp) Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Steps

1

Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This ensures the dressing adheres better and prevents a watery salad.

2

Slice the tomatoes: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the tomatoes into approximately 1cm (3/8 inch) thick rounds. If using smaller tomatoes like cherry or grape tomatoes, you can halve or quarter them.

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A sharp knife is essential to avoid crushing the tomatoes and releasing too much juice.

3

Prepare the mozzarella: If using a large ball of fresh mozzarella, drain it well and pat it dry. Slice it into rounds of similar thickness to the tomatoes, about 1cm (3/8 inch). If using smaller mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drain them and halve or leave them whole depending on their size.

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Ensuring the mozzarella is dry will help it stay on the salad components and prevent excess liquid from diluting the flavors.

4

Wash and dry the basil: Gently wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. This is important to prevent wilting and ensure the leaves retain their fresh aroma.

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Handle basil leaves delicately to avoid bruising, which can cause them to darken and lose flavor.

5

Arrange the salad: On a large platter or individual plates, artfully arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. Overlap the slices slightly, alternating between tomato and mozzarella for an appealing presentation. Aim for a single layer if possible.

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For a more rustic look, you can tear the mozzarella into pieces instead of slicing it.

6

Add the basil: Tuck the fresh basil leaves in between the tomato and mozzarella slices. You can use whole leaves or tear larger leaves into smaller pieces.

7

Dress the salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire salad. Ensure all components are lightly coated.

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Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Avoid over-dressing; a light coating is sufficient.

8

Season the salad: Sprinkle the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the arranged salad. Be generous with the seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

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Seasoning just before serving helps the salt and pepper adhere to the ingredients and maximizes their impact.

9

Finish with balsamic glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern over the salad. You can create zig-zags, swirls, or simply a light drizzle.

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A little balsamic glaze goes a long way. Too much can overpower the delicate flavors of the tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

10

Serve immediately: Caprese salad is best served fresh to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of its ingredients. It pairs wonderfully as an appetizer or a light side dish.

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