Caprese Salad is guaranteed to become your favorite! 10 minutes is all you need to make this gorgeous layered salad made of juicy tomatoes, soft mozzarella, sweet basil, and flavorful Balsamic glaze. It’s delicious any time of year of course, but fresh basil and tomatoes are just the best in the summer.
What is Caprese Salad?
Caprese salad is an Italian salad and is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. In Italy, it is usually served as an antipasto (starter) and it may be eaten any time of the day. Caprese salad is typically made by layering slices of fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, seasoned with salt and pepper, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sometimes a balsamic glaze.
What kind of mozzarella cheese do you use in Caprese Salad?
Fresh traditional mozzarella cheese. It is soft, silky and melts in the mouth. According to FoodUnfolded, mozzarella cheese is different from other types of cheese due to the stretching process that occurs in production.
What is Balsamic Glaze?
Balsamic glaze is the result of the blend of balsamic vinegar and a sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, that has been cooked down until it reaches a thick syrup consistency. You can purchase balsamic glaze from the grocery store and it is usually sold alongside the balsamic vinegar.
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium tomatoes (sliced 1/4” thick)
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced 1/4” thick)
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (thinly slice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or to taste)
Instructions
- Layer the tomato slices alternatively with the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle the fresh basil on top.
- Season with salt and pepper and drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Serve at room temperature.