Easy Caprese Salad
Easy Caprese Salad is a fresh, simple, and vibrant Italian appetizer that combines ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, enhanced with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. This quick-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner starters, offering a healthy, flavorful, and colorful addition to your meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes (fresh, juicy) – quantity as desired
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (soft, creamy) – quantity matching tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves – a handful
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar – 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Sea salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Wash and slice ripe tomatoes into evenly thick rounds. Slice fresh mozzarella into similarly sized pieces to ensure perfect layering.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving platter, overlapping slightly in a circular or linear pattern for an appealing presentation.
- Add Fresh Basil: Tuck whole basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices evenly to distribute the herb’s aroma throughout the salad.
- Drizzle Olive Oil and Balsamic: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the entire salad, followed by balsamic glaze or vinegar to enhance flavor and add a glossy finish.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to taste, then serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Notes
- Choose the freshest high-quality tomatoes and mozzarella for the best flavor.
- Slice ingredients evenly for balanced bites and attractive presentation.
- Use balsamic glaze for sweetness and a shiny appearance without overpowering the salad.
- Serve immediately after assembling for optimal freshness and texture.
- Add basil leaves last and avoid excessive washing to keep them vibrant and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Caprese salad, Italian salad, fresh mozzarella, tomato salad, easy appetizer, healthy salad, quick Italian recipe
Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/easy-caprese-salad/