Caprese Salad with Bocconcini and Basil
A vibrant and refreshing Caprese Salad that showcases the colors of the Italian flag, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Made with juicy, ripe tomatoes and creamy bocconcini (or fresh mozzarella), each bite is bursting with flavor. The fragrant basil leaves add an aromatic touch, while the drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall taste. Simple yet elegant, this salad is a nostalgic recipe inspired by family traditions, and it's adaptable to your personal preference—feel free to add a sprinkle of oregano or omit the salt for a lighter touch. Enjoy this delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own.
4
Servings
110
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh tomatoes
3 (Large, sliced into 1/2-inch slices)
Bocconcini or fresh mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Sliced into 1/2-inch slices)
Fresh basil leaves
12 (Whole leaves)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (For drizzling over salad)
Fresh basil leaves
4 (Roughly torn)
Salt
to taste (Optional seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Then, slice each tomato into twelve 1/2-inch thick slices, ensuring they are uniform for presentation.
2
Next, take the bocconcini or fresh mozzarella and slice it into twenty-four 1/2-inch thick pieces.
3
On a large serving platter, arrange the tomato slices in a circular pattern, alternating between the tomato slices and the bocconcini slices. Between the cheese slices, tuck in fresh basil leaves to add color and flavor.
4
Once arranged, drizzle the entire salad with the extra virgin olive oil, ensuring an even distribution for a rich flavor.
5
Finally, finish the salad with a generous sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper. If you prefer, you can also season it lightly with salt and add roughly torn basil leaves for an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese Salad with Bocconcini and Basil?
It is a vibrant and refreshing Italian salad made with tomatoes, bocconcini or fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves.
What are the main ingredients for this Caprese Salad?
The primary ingredients include fresh tomatoes, bocconcini or fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 110 calories.
Is this Caprese Salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad offer?
This salad provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Bocconcini or fresh mozzarella cheese is recommended for its creamy texture.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
Wash the tomatoes and slice them into twelve uniform 1/2-inch thick slices.
How should the cheese be sliced?
The bocconcini or mozzarella should be sliced into twenty-four 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How do I arrange the salad on a platter?
Arrange the tomato and cheese slices in a circular pattern, alternating between them, and tuck basil leaves in between.
What kind of oil should be used?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to enhance the overall flavor and richness of the dish.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for drizzling.
How many basil leaves are needed?
You will need 12 whole leaves for the arrangement and 4 roughly torn leaves for the garnish.
Should I add salt to the salad?
Salt can be added to taste, though it is optional if you prefer a lighter touch.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Fresh ground black pepper is used to finish the salad for a bold seasoning.
Can I add other herbs to this salad?
Yes, you can feel free to add a sprinkle of oregano if you prefer more herb variety.
Is this dish served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfect as both a delightful appetizer or a refreshing side dish.
How should the tomatoes be washed?
They should be washed thoroughly under cold water before any preparation begins.
What color palette does this salad represent?
The salad showcases the red, white, and green colors of the Italian flag.
How many ingredients are listed in total?
There are 7 ingredients listed: tomatoes, cheese, basil, olive oil, torn basil, salt, and pepper.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the recipe is portioned for 4 people.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data does not list any sugar content for this recipe.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Fiber content is not specified in the nutritional information for this dish.
Is there cholesterol in this salad?
Cholesterol information is not provided in the current nutritional breakdown.
What is the sodium content?
Sodium information is not specified, but the recipe includes salt to taste.
Can the recipe be adjusted for personal preference?
Yes, it is highly adaptable; you can adjust the seasoning or even omit salt.
How soon should the salad be served?
The salad should be served immediately after preparation for the best flavor and freshness.
Is this a family-style recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic recipe inspired by family traditions.