Caprese Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the beauty of fresh, quality ingredients. With just a few components – ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze, this salad captures the essence of Italian cuisine. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal.
The key to a great Caprese Salad is using the freshest ingredients. The tomatoes should be juicy and sweet, the mozzarella creamy and mild, and the basil fragrant and vibrant. When these ingredients are combined, they create a harmonious balance of flavors. The richness of the mozzarella complements the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the basil adds a fresh, herbal note.
What elevates this classic salad is the addition of balsamic glaze. The balsamic glaze, with its rich and tangy sweetness, adds depth to the salad and ties all the flavors together. The drizzle of glaze over the top gives a beautiful, glossy finish and enhances the dish’s visual appeal, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Caprese Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a light starter before a meal or paired with grilled meats, pasta, or even as a topping for crostini. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want something fresh and flavorful without much effort.
Not only is Caprese Salad delicious, but it’s also healthy. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats, it’s a dish that nourishes your body while delighting your senses. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each element to shine, making it a true celebration of fresh, high-quality produce.
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its clean flavors and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Tomatoes sliced, ripe
- 8 oz mozzarella sliced, fresh
- 1 cup Basil leaves whole or torn, fresh
- 2 tbsp balsamic reduction or glaze
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating between them.
- Tuck basil leaves in between the tomato and mozzarella slices.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic reduction or glaze over the top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
I don’t see the point of balsamic glaze. Just use plain vinegar and it’ll be fine.
Great Recipe
I don’t see the point of adding extra oil and salt when the balsamic is already so strong. Felt like too much.
I totally get what you’re saying. The balsamic can be strong enough on its own! Sometimes less is more, right? 🌱
Made this for a family gathering and everyone loved it! Thank you! 👍
I tried this with dried basil once, and it just didn’t taste right at all. Fresh herbs make a HUGE difference!
I dunno. I used dried once and it was okay. Maybe you just had a bad batch?
Totally agree! Fresh basil makes all the difference. Dried just doesn’t cut it for me either.
I made this for a barbecue, and everyone loved it! The balsamic glaze makes it taste super gourmet for something so easy.
Looks nice, but do you really need 8 oz of cheese? Seems like too much!
This is such a simple and fresh recipe! Love the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella together. Perfect for summer!
This salad is sooo good! Fresh and light, perfect for summer!
Seriously, who needs a recipe for a salad? Just chop some stuff and call it a day. But this looks pretty.
I mean, it’s just salad. Anyone can chop! But fancy is nice too, I guess.
True! But sometimes a little guidance makes it fancier. This one looks delish!
Tomatoe cheese salad! Yum 😋.
Simple ingredients, quick to make. Good for when I don’t feel like cooking. Yum!
Totally agree! Super easy and delicious, especially when it’s hot outside.