To me, this Caprese Salad Recipe is more than just a side; it’s a ritual. I love the way the olive oil pools in the crevices of the fresh cheese and how the basil fills the entire kitchen with that peppery, sweet aroma the moment you slice into it. It’s light, vibrant, and takes exactly ten minutes to pull together.
Caprese Salad Recipe
What You’ll Need to make this Caprese Salad Recipe
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3 large, ripe tomatoes (sliced into thick rounds)
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8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced to match the tomatoes)
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (use the good stuff here!)
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¼ cup balsamic vinegar
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¼ cup fresh basil, finely minced
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¼ teaspoon salt
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⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Tomatoes
Mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil
How I Make It
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The Layering: I like to fan out the tomato and mozzarella slices on a large wooden board or platter. I alternate them—one tomato, one cheese—so every bite is perfectly balanced.
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The Dressing: In a small glass jar, I whisk the olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good shake until it looks unified.
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The Finish: Drizzle that dressing right over the center of your Caprese Salad Recipe. I usually do a zigzag motion to make sure every slice gets a bit of that tang.
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The Greenery: Shower the whole thing with your fresh basil.
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Serve: Don’t let it sit in the fridge! This tastes best at room temperature when the flavors are wide awake.
Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Servings: 4
Nutrition (Per Serving) about this Caprese Salad Recipe
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Calories: 285 kcal
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Total Fat: 24g
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Carbohydrates: 7g
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Protein: 11g
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Sugar: 5g
FAQ
Can I prep this in advance? I wouldn’t recommend it. The salt makes the tomatoes “weep,” which waters down the dressing. If you’re hosting, slice the components an hour early, but don’t dress it until the guests are sitting down.
Which tomatoes do I choose for this Caprese Salad Recipe? I’m partial to Heirloom tomatoes because of the colors, but a solid Beefsteak or a Roma works perfectly as long as they aren’t mushy.
How do I make the balsamic extra special? If you have an extra five minutes, simmer the vinegar in a small pan until it’s thick and syrupy. It adds a deep, candy-like sweetness that is honestly life-changing.
Source: www.allrecipes.com
