Caprese Salad
on Aug 22, 2024
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Fresh, ripe tomatoes and sliced mozzarella is topped with basil and balsamic vinegar to create this irresistible caprese salad. This quick and easy salad comes together in a matter of minutes and elevates any meal it is served with.
If you are looking for a fun, fresh salad then this recipe is for you! Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that can be found at most authentic Italian restaurants. The salad is traditionally served as a first course dish to help cleanse the palate, but we love pairing this salad with different entrees.
The fresh flavors of ripe tomato and tangy cheese are complimented perfectly by a sharp balsamic vinegar. We love how quick and easy this salad is to assemble. All you have to do is slice your tomatoes and throw the ingredients on a plate and you are good to go!
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Roma Tomatoes—Thinly sliced
- Mozzarella—Fresh logs of mozzarella can be found in the deli section of most major grocery stores.
- Basil—Adds a fresh, herby flavor to your salad.
- Balsamic Vinegar—To add a sharp tang to the dish.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Caprese Salad
Step #1. Wash your tomatoes and cut them into thin slices.
Step #2. Place your sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate in a circular shape, alternating between pieces of tomato and mozzarella. Top your salad with some fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Recipe FAQs
We love the sharp, sweet tang that comes from a good balsamic vinegar. It both compliments the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the tang of the mozzarella. With that being said, another classic caprese salad dressing is olive oil. Simply drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over your salad and sprinkle on some freshly ground salt and pepper. The richness of the olive oil will bring out different notes of flavor than the vinegar, but both options taste amazing!
If your local store is out of mozzarella or if you are not a fan of it then don’t worry! This salad can be modified with a few different cheeses that will give the dish a different, but equally delicious flavor. Some of the best substitutes for mozzarella in this recipe include feta cheese, cotija, and paneer. Each of these cheeses has a fresh, tangy flavor that will compliment the tomatoes well.
How to Serve and Store Your Caprese Salad
One of the best things about this caprese salad is how easy it is to pair with a variety of dishes. The fresh, flavorful ingredients make a great addition to any meal. One of our favorite dishes to pair with this salad is a rich, creamy chicken alfredo. You can also serve this salad alongside a savory steak or some grilled chicken.
If you have any leftover caprese salad then it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. We recommend waiting to top your salad with dressing until you are ready to serve it so that it doesn’t oversaturate the ingredients when stored in the fridge.
Expert Tips
- A blend of olive oil, salt, and pepper makes a great substitution for balsamic vinegar when it comes to dressing for your caprese salad.
- Make sure you grab the larger log of mozzarella. Most major grocery stores sell two sizes and they are found right next to each other.
- Most fresh mozzarella logs come pre sliced, so you don’t have to worry about cutting them. If you like a little less cheese in your caprese salad then you can cut the slices in half to make them thinner.
- We like the sweet flavor you get from roma tomatoes, but any kind of medium or large tomato will work in this salad.
More Salad Recipes To Consider
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Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 roma tomatoes
- 1 fresh mozzarella, 16 ounce log
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Wash your tomatoes and use a sharp knife to slice them.
- Arrange your tomatoes and mozzarella in a circle on a plate, alternating between slices of tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Top the tomato and cheese with basil and balsamic vinegar.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- In addition to using balsamic vinegar, you can use olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also use a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Fresh mozzarella can be found in the deli section of your grocery store. Make sure you grab the larger log. They are often placed right next to a smaller log that will not provide enough cheese for this recipe.
- We like the sweet flavor of roma tomatoes, but any kind of medium or large tomato will work in this recipe.
- You can store your prepared caprese salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the plate tightly with plastic wrap.
