Experience a taste of Italy with this Caprese Salad filled with ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella!
Enjoy this refreshing summer salad perfect for warm nights and pair it with a glass of wine.
Why this will be your favourite appetizer
Caprese salad is a quintessential summer dish that highlights the vibrant flavours of seasonal produce. Ripe, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil are at their peak during the summer months, making it the perfect time to enjoy this refreshing salad.
By making a Caprese salad, you can take an advantage of the abundance of summer produce, indulge in the taste of sun-ripened tomatoes, and showcase the best of the season on the dining table. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a casual dinner at home, Caprese salad brings a taste of summer to any occasion.
Ingredients needed
Tomatoes – Ripe tomatoes are the main ingredient in this dish. Look for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly yielding to the touch, indicating ripeness. Vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes are preferred for their sweet and juicy flavour, which complements the creamy texture of the mozzarella.
Mozzarella Cheese – Fresh mozzarella cheese, typically in the form of a ball, is used in this recipe. It’s important to use fresh mozzarella rather than aged or shredded varieties for its soft and creamy texture. This cheese adds a mild and milky flavour that pairs perfectly with the tomatoes.
Basil Leaves – Fresh basil leaves are a must, they provide a fragrant and herbaceous element to the Caprese salad. The aromatic oils released from the basil leaves enhance the overall flavour profile of the dish, adding a hint of sweetness and freshness.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – High-quality extra virgin olive oil is drizzled over the tomato and mozzarella slices to add richness and depth of flavour. The fruity and peppery notes of the olive oil complement the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creamy texture of the mozzarella.
Balsamic Vinegar – While optional, balsamic vinegar can be drizzled over the salad to add a tangy and slightly sweet flavour. It provides a contrast to the richness of the olive oil and enhances the overall taste experience. Aged balsamic vinegar, with its syrupy consistency and complex flavour profile, is particularly delightful in this dish.
How to make Caprese Salad
Step 1 – Prepare the ingredients
Wash the tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼ inch thick slices.
Step 2 – Arrange the salad
On a serving platter or individual plates, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices, scattering them evenly throughout the plate.
Step 3 – Season
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the tomato and mozzarella slices. Optionally, you can also drizzle some balsamic vinegar for extra flavour. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 – Serve
Serve the Caprese salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. Optionally, you can garnish with additional basil leaves or a sprinkle of balsamic reduction for presentation.
Note: If you prefer, you can also stack the tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves vertically for a more visually appealing presentation. Additionally, you can add a sprinkle of dried oregano or a drizzle of pesto for extra flavour variations.
How to serve Caprese salad
Caprese salad is typically served as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, especially during the warmer months when tomatoes are at their peak. Here are a few suggestions on how to serve this classic dish:
On a Platter: Arrange the tomato, mozzarella, and basil slices in an overlapping pattern on a large serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, if desired, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with additional basil leaves for a decorative touch. Serve the salad with a set of salad tongs or a serving spoon for guests to help themselves.
Individually Plated: For a more elegant presentation, assemble individual servings of Caprese salad on salad or appetizer plates. Place one slice of tomato, one slice of mozzarella, and a couple of basil leaves on each plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and garnish with a sprig of basil. Serve each plate individually for a more refined dining experience.
Stacked Presentation: Create a visually stunning presentation by stacking the tomato, mozzarella, and basil slices vertically on each plate. This method allows the vibrant colours of the ingredients to shine through and adds height to the presentation. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper before serving.
On Skewers: For a fun and portable twist, assemble Caprese salad skewers by threading cherry or grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and small basil leaves onto wooden or metal skewers. Arrange the skewers on a platter or serving tray and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. This option is perfect for parties, picnics, or as a light hors d’oeuvre.
With Crusty Bread: Serve Caprese salad alongside slices of crusty bread or a baguette to soak up the flavourful juices and olive oil. Guests can enjoy the salad on its own or create delicious tomato and mozzarella bruschetta by topping the bread slices with the salad components.
Expert tips
- Choose quality ingredients: Opt for the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes that are firm but slightly yielding to the touch. Select fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably in the form of a ball, and vibrant green basil leaves without any signs of wilting or discoloration. Using top-notch ingredients will enhance the overall flavour and presentation of your Caprese salad.
- Slice uniformly: To ensure even distribution of flavours and a visually appealing presentation, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into uniform thickness, approximately ¼ inch thick. This allows each bite to have a perfect balance of tomato, cheese, and basil.
- Season with care: Season the Caprese salad with salt and pepper just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from releasing excess moisture. A light sprinkle of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper will enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients without overpowering them.
- Drizzle with high-quality olive oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the salad. The fruity and peppery notes of a good olive oil will complement the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. Drizzle the olive oil in a zigzag pattern over the salad for even distribution.
- Add a flavourful twist: While the classic Caprese salad is delicious on its own, you can add a flavourful twist by incorporating ingredients like balsamic glaze, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, or a sprinkle of dried oregano. These additions can elevate the flavour profile of the salad and add a unique touch to your presentation.
- Serve at room temperature: Allow the Caprese salad to come to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together and ensures that the cheese is at its creamy best. Serve the salad immediately after assembling for the freshest taste and optimal texture.
FAQ’s
While balsamic vinegar is a common addition to Caprese salad, it is optional and can be omitted if desired. The salad will still be delicious with just a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which enhances the natural flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Caprese salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish alongside grilled meats, seafood, pasta dishes, or as part of a light lunch with crusty bread or a side of mixed greens.
Basil is a key ingredient in traditional Caprese salad, adding freshness and aroma to the dish. However, if you don’t have basil or prefer a different herb, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, arugula, or even thinly sliced fresh mint leaves for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Look for tomatoes that are firm yet slightly yielding to the touch, with vibrant red color and no bruises or blemishes. The tomatoes should have a sweet, aromatic scent, indicating ripeness. If possible, opt for vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor.
Traditional Caprese salad is made with fresh mozzarella cheese for its creamy texture and mild flavor. However, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as burrata (a creamier version of mozzarella), buffalo mozzarella, or even a mild goat cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary depending on the cheese you choose.
While Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components in advance. You can slice the tomatoes and mozzarella a few hours ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, assemble the salad with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil just before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture.
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CAPRESE STYLE TOMATO & MOZZARELLA APPETIZER
Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes preferably vine-ripened or heirloom
- 1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese about 8 oz
- fresh basil leaves
- extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water.
- Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼ inch thick slices.
- On a serving platter or individual plates, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices, scattering them evenly throughout the plate.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the tomato and mozzarella slices.
- Optionally, you can also drizzle some balsamic vinegar for extra flavour.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Caprese salad immediately with slices of bread.
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