Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Delight
Experience the essence of summer with this vibrant Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Delight. Featuring succulent homegrown tomatoes and the finest fresh mozzarella, this dish bursts with flavor thanks to a medley of freshly chopped herbs, zesty balsamic vinegar, and rich extra virgin olive oil. The addition of thinly sliced red onions and a variety of black olives creates a delightful complexity that elevates the traditional Caprese salad to new heights. Perfect as a refreshing lunch or as a stunning appetizer, serve it alongside crusty French bread slathered in herb-infused butter for a gourmet experience. This recipe is a cherished favorite, adapted from the classics, and promises to bring the tastes of Italy to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh tomatoes
3 large (Sliced thick, cores removed)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (Sliced into small rounds)
Red onion
1/2 small (Sliced thin)
Black olives
1/2 cup (Sliced)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (N/A)
Balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup (N/A)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Fresh oregano
1/8 cup (N/A)
Kosher salt
To taste (N/A)
Fresh ground pepper
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Start by slicing the fresh mozzarella into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds and set aside.
2
Next, prepare the tomatoes by slicing them into thick slices, ensuring to remove the core and any blemishes for a clean presentation.
3
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. Add the sliced red onions and black olives to the bowl.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, and fresh oregano. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the tomato and mozzarella mixture, tossing carefully to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but not more than 2 hours to maintain the fresh texture.
7
When ready to serve, arrange the tomato slices on a large serving platter. Top each slice generously with mozzarella, then artfully scatter the olives and red onions over the top.
8
Finish by drizzling any remaining dressing over the plated salad and garnish with fresh basil and oregano leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Delight?
It is a vibrant summer dish featuring succulent tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil, elevated with red onions and black olives.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for large heirloom or homegrown tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrant appearance.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 3 large fresh tomatoes.
What kind of mozzarella should I use?
Use 16 ounces of the finest fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Are there onions in this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 of a small red onion, sliced thin for added complexity.
What type of olives are included?
The dish uses 1/2 cup of sliced black olives.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, fresh oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Which fresh herbs are used?
Fresh basil (1/4 cup chopped) and fresh oregano (1/8 cup) are used both in the dressing and as a garnish.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
Slice the tomatoes into thick slices and ensure you remove the cores and any blemishes.
How should the mozzarella be prepared?
The mozzarella should be sliced into rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick.
How do I mix the salad?
Gently combine the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, red onions, and olives in a large mixing bowl before adding the dressing.
Should the salad be chilled before serving?
Yes, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the maximum time I should chill the salad?
Do not chill the salad for more than 2 hours to ensure the fresh texture of the ingredients is maintained.
How do I arrange the salad for serving?
Arrange the tomato slices on a large platter, top each with mozzarella, and artfully scatter the olives and red onions over the top.
What should I do with the remaining dressing?
Drizzle any remaining dressing over the plated salad just before serving.
What is a good side dish for this salad?
It is recommended to serve this dish alongside crusty French bread slathered in herb-infused butter.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish is an adaptation of Italian classics, specifically a variation of the Caprese salad.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
The recipe suggests kosher salt for better seasoning control, but you can use table salt to taste if necessary.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the final garnish?
Garnish the final platter with fresh basil and oregano leaves for a burst of color.
How thick should the tomato slices be?
The tomatoes should be cut into thick slices for a clean and sturdy presentation.
How do I ensure the dressing is well mixed?
Whisk the oil, vinegar, and herbs in a separate small bowl before drizzling over the main ingredients.
What is the purpose of the red onion in this recipe?
The thinly sliced red onions add a delightful complexity and zesty flavor that elevates the dish.
Can I use green olives instead?
The recipe specifically calls for black olives, but you could experiment with other varieties if desired.
Is this suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfect as either a refreshing lunch or a stunning appetizer for a gourmet experience.
What makes the tomatoes 'succulent'?
Using homegrown heirloom tomatoes ensures they are juicy and at the peak of their seasonal flavor.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the recipe calls for slicing them with the skin on, only removing the cores and blemishes.