Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Drizzle
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this Caprese Salad featuring ripe, juicy tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella. This refreshing dish is complemented by aromatic fresh basil and a drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal as a light appetizer or a side dish, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making it a great addition to any gathering. Serve chilled to enhance the refreshing taste and enjoy the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
3 (medium, cut into large cubes)
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 lb (cut into large cubes, pat dry if from a tub)
Basil Leaves
1/2 cup (torn into pieces)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Balsamic Vinegar
4 teaspoons (none)
Kosher Salt or Sea Salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly and patting them dry. Cut each tomato into large cubes, ensuring they retain their juice.
2
Similarly, slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into large cubes. If using mozzarella from a tub, ensure to pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.
3
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the tomato and mozzarella cubes.
4
Add the torn basil leaves to the bowl, allowing their fragrance to enhance the dish.
5
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad, ensuring even coverage.
6
Gently toss the salad with a spatula or large spoon, being careful not to break the tomato or mozzarella pieces.
7
Season the salad with kosher salt or sea salt to taste, enhancing the flavors of the fresh ingredients.
8
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
9
Serve chilled, and enjoy the freshness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil and Balsamic Drizzle?
It is a refreshing summer dish featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a rich balsamic drizzle.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 3 medium-sized tomatoes for this recipe.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
Wash the tomatoes, pat them dry, and cut them into large cubes while ensuring they retain their juice.
How much fresh mozzarella is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of fresh mozzarella cheese.
How should the mozzarella be prepared?
Slice the mozzarella into large cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel if they came from a tub.
Why should I pat the mozzarella dry?
Patting the mozzarella dry helps to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
How much basil is needed for this salad?
You should use 1/2 cup of basil leaves.
How do I prepare the basil leaves?
The basil leaves should be torn into pieces to enhance their fragrance.
How much olive oil should I use?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the amount of balsamic vinegar needed?
Use 4 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar for the drizzle.
What kind of salt is recommended?
You can use either kosher salt or sea salt to taste.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to wash the tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry.
How do I mix the tomato and mozzarella?
Gently combine the tomato and mozzarella cubes in a large mixing bowl.
When should I add the basil?
Add the torn basil leaves after combining the tomato and mozzarella cubes.
How should the oil and vinegar be applied?
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad to ensure even coverage.
What tool is best for tossing the salad?
Gently toss the salad using a spatula or a large spoon.
How do I prevent the ingredients from breaking?
Toss the salad very gently to avoid breaking the tomato or mozzarella pieces.
When should I season the salad?
Season the salad with salt after tossing it with the oil and vinegar.
Does the salad need to be refrigerated?
Yes, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour.
Why must the salad sit in the refrigerator?
Refrigerating for an hour allows the fresh flavors to meld together.
How should the salad be served?
Serve the Caprese salad chilled to enhance its refreshing taste.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh ingredients.
What is the ideal course for this dish?
It works perfectly as a light appetizer or a side dish.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients required for this salad.
Is nutritional information like calories provided?
No, nutritional details like calories, fat, and protein are not specified in this raw data.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include caprese salad, fresh ingredients, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, appetizer, salad, summer dish, and healthy recipes.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is visually stunning and easy to prepare, making it a great addition to any gathering.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
It offers a harmonious blend of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and rich balsamic vinegar.
How do I store the salad before serving?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.