Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil
This delightful Caprese Salad originates from the sunny landscapes of Campania, Italy, and embodies the flavors of summer. Featuring perfectly ripe tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella, this vibrant salad is layered with fragrant basil for an aromatic touch. Drizzled with high-quality olive oil and seasoned to perfection with salt and cracked black pepper, it’s a refreshing dish that combines simplicity with elegance. Ideal as an appetizer or a side dish, this salad celebrates the essence of fresh ingredients.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2 (Ripe and sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds)
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
2 ounces (Sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1/2 ounce (Whole leaves for garnish)
Chopped Fresh Basil
1/2 cup (Finely chopped for seasoning)
Olive Oil
to taste (High-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling)
Sea Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Black Pepper
to taste (Freshly cracked for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by selecting the ripest tomatoes and fresh mozzarella you can find for optimal flavor.
2
Wash the tomatoes under running water, then slice them into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
3
Slice the fresh mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick rounds, ensuring the slices are uniform for a beautiful presentation.
4
On a large serving platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern, creating an appealing visual effect.
5
Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the layers and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top of the salad for added flavor.
6
Drizzle high-quality olive oil generously over the arrangement, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the ingredients.
7
Finally, season the salad with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the taste of each component.
8
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Caprese Salad?
Caprese Salad originates from the sunny landscapes of Campania, Italy.
What are the primary ingredients of this salad?
The primary ingredients are ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil, high-quality olive oil, sea salt, and cracked black pepper.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be washed and sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
What is the recommended thickness for the mozzarella?
The fresh mozzarella should be sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
How is the salad arranged on a platter?
Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern for an appealing visual effect.
How is the basil incorporated into the dish?
Fresh basil leaves are tucked between the layers, and finely chopped basil is sprinkled over the top.
What type of olive oil is best for this recipe?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling.
What kind of salt should be used for seasoning?
The recipe suggests using a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
Is the black pepper ground or cracked?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly cracked black pepper.
When should the Caprese Salad be served?
It should be served immediately to enjoy the maximum freshness of the ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is categorized as a vegetarian dish.
What is the ideal course for this salad?
It is ideal as an appetizer or a side dish.
What seasonal flavors does this salad represent?
This salad embodies the fresh and vibrant flavors of summer.
How much chopped basil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh basil.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe uses 2 ripe tomatoes.
Why should the slices be uniform?
Uniform slices are recommended to ensure a beautiful presentation on the platter.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is selecting the ripest tomatoes and fresh mozzarella available.
What is the texture of the mozzarella in this dish?
The fresh mozzarella is described as creamy.
Does the recipe include balsamic vinegar?
No, this specific recipe focuses on olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
How many total ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients listed in total.
What is the purpose of drizzling olive oil generously?
It allows the oil to cascade down the sides of the ingredients, adding flavor to every component.
What preparation is needed for the whole basil leaves?
The whole leaves are used for garnish and tucking between the tomato and cheese layers.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh basil for its fragrant and aromatic touch.
Is Caprese Salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy salad option.
What is the specific region of Italy mentioned?
The dish originates from Campania, Italy.
What does the salad celebrate?
The salad celebrates the essence of fresh ingredients combined with simplicity and elegance.
Should the tomatoes be washed?
Yes, tomatoes should be washed under running water before slicing.
What is the visual appeal of this salad?
The alternating pattern of red tomatoes and white mozzarella with green basil creates a vibrant and appealing look.
What is the preparation for the chopped basil?
The basil should be finely chopped for seasoning over the top.