Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish celebrated for its simplicity and vibrant flavors. This salad beautifully showcases the colors of the Italian flag with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a hint of balsamic glaze or vinegar.
It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish that highlights the quality of its few ingredients. Serve it as a light and refreshing starter to any meal or as a part of an elegant antipasto platter.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into rounds
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into rounds, each about 1/4-inch thick.
Assemble the Salad:
Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving platter or individual plates, overlapping slightly.
Add Basil Leaves:
Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices.
Season:
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic:
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad.
Drizzle balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar over the salad for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Serve:
Serve the Caprese Salad immediately, while the ingredients are fresh and vibrant.
Chef’s Note:
For a twist on the traditional Caprese Salad, you can use heirloom tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for a variety of colors and flavors.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use balsamic vinegar reduction instead of balsamic glaze, or simply drizzle with a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on approximately 4 servings):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Enjoy this classic Caprese Salad as a delightful appetizer or side dish that celebrates the flavors of Italy with every bite!
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