Caprese Salad with Basil and Balsamic Drizzle
This vibrant Caprese Salad highlights the fresh flavors of homegrown tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil, creating a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad brings together the classic Italian ingredients for a simple yet elegant dish that can be served as an appetizer or side. Ideal for sharing at picnics or barbecues, this Caprese Salad is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
4
Servings
125
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced homegrown tomatoes
3 cups (sliced)
sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
2 cups (sliced)
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (whole leaves)
fresh thyme
1 teaspoon (chopped)
anchovy (optional)
1 (diced finely)
shallots
2 tablespoons (minced)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
balsamic vinegar
1/8-1/4 cup (to taste)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced shallots, minced garlic, chopped thyme, diced anchovy (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
On a large serving platter, create a beautiful layer by alternating slices of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, then tuck in the basil leaves among the layers.
3
Drizzle the homemade dressing generously over the assembled salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
4
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of additional black pepper, if desired, and enjoy this fresh and delicious Caprese Salad with family and friends.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese Salad?
Caprese Salad is a vibrant Italian dish highlighting fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil, typically served as an appetizer or side.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include sliced homegrown tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a homemade balsamic dressing.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
Is this Caprese Salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian, though you should ensure you omit the optional anchovy to keep it strictly meat-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is in the balsamic dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced shallots, minced garlic, chopped thyme, optional anchovy, salt, and black pepper.
How do I assemble the salad?
Layer alternating slices of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on a platter, tuck in fresh basil leaves, and drizzle the dressing over the top.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 cups of sliced homegrown tomatoes for the best flavor.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
For the authentic aromatic flavor of a Caprese salad, fresh basil leaves are highly recommended.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8.75 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
This salad provides 3.75 grams of protein per serving.
Is there an optional ingredient in the dressing?
Yes, one finely diced anchovy is listed as an optional ingredient for the balsamic vinaigrette.
What herbs are used besides basil?
The dressing uses one teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme.
How should I prepare the garlic and shallots?
Both the garlic and shallots should be minced before being added to the dressing.
Can I serve this salad at a barbecue?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for sharing at picnics or barbecues.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
You should use between 1/8 to 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, according to your taste.
How long does it take to prepare?
While not explicitly stated, the simple assembly of layering and whisking the dressing makes it a quick dish.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, it is a refreshing dish perfect for warm-weather and is best served immediately after assembly.
What makes this salad 'elegant'?
The combination of classic Italian ingredients and the visual appeal of layered colors makes it a simple yet elegant dish.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates no sugar content.
What is the preparation for the basil leaves?
The fresh basil leaves should be kept as whole leaves and tucked among the tomato and cheese layers.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sliced fresh mozzarella cheese.
Can I add extra black pepper?
Yes, the instructions suggest garnishing with an additional sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Salad.
Are there any fibers or sodium listed?
The provided data does not list specific values for fiber or sodium.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is refreshing and aromatic, combining creamy cheese, acidic tomatoes, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Can I use this as a main course?
It is typically served as an appetizer or side dish, but can be a light main course if desired.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include caprese salad, tomato, mozzarella, basil, fresh salad, italian dish, healthy recipe, and vegetarian.