Herb-Infused Caprese Salad Delight
Elevate your summer gatherings with this Herb-Infused Caprese Salad Delight. A classic Italian dish transformed with an aromatic marinade of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, this salad features creamy mozzarella, juicy Roma tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course, it’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. This dish is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it's also a refreshing, healthy choice that can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (none)
garlic clove
1 (thinly sliced)
black peppercorns
12 (whole)
fresh rosemary sprigs
3 (whole)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (none)
fresh mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (cut into 1-inch cubes)
roma tomatoes
6 (cut into fork-sized chunks)
fresh basil
1 bunch (chiffonaded)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan over medium heat, gently warm the extra virgin olive oil along with the sliced garlic, whole black peppercorns, fresh rosemary sprigs, salt, and red pepper flakes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Do not let it boil.
2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the oil mixture to cool to room temperature, allowing the flavors to infuse.
3
While the oil is cooling, cut the fresh mozzarella into 1-inch cubes.
4
Once the oil has cooled, strain out the rosemary sprigs and black peppercorns, then pour the infused oil over the cubes of mozzarella. Let the mozzarella marinate at room temperature for several hours, or refrigerate it for up to 4 days, ensuring to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
5
Prepare the roma tomatoes by cutting them into fork-sized chunks. After marination, drain any excess oil from the mozzarella and gently fold in the tomato chunks until combined.
6
To finish, garnish the salad with chiffonaded fresh basil before serving. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a delightful appetizer or light meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Caprese Salad Delight?
It is an elevated Italian classic featuring mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, and basil, enhanced with an aromatic marinade of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What type of oil is used for the infusion?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be thinly sliced before being added to the oil.
Should the oil mixture be boiled?
No, you should gently warm the oil until the garlic is fragrant but do not let it boil.
What herbs are used to infuse the oil?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh basil are used, with rosemary specifically for the oil infusion.
How many rosemary sprigs are needed?
The recipe requires 3 whole fresh rosemary sprigs.
Do I leave the peppercorns in the salad?
No, you should strain out the black peppercorns and rosemary sprigs after the oil has cooled.
How should the mozzarella be cut?
The fresh mozzarella cheese should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long can the mozzarella marinate?
The mozzarella can marinate at room temperature for several hours or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What is the serving temperature for this salad?
If refrigerated, the marinated mozzarella should be brought back to room temperature before serving.
What type of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 6 Roma tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The Roma tomatoes should be cut into fork-sized chunks.
How is the basil prepared for the garnish?
One bunch of fresh basil should be chiffonaded (cut into thin ribbons).
What provides the heat in this recipe?
A pinch of red pepper flakes is added to the oil infusion for a hint of heat.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a cheese-based vegetable dish consisting of mozzarella and tomatoes.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Cheese.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors of the herb-infused oil and mozzarella to meld beautifully.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include caprese salad, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, marinated salad, italian cuisine, fresh herbs, and summer dish.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How many peppercorns are used in the infusion?
Exactly 12 whole black peppercorns are used.
When do I add the tomatoes?
The tomatoes are gently folded in after the mozzarella has finished marinating and any excess oil has been drained.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to garnish the salad with the chiffonaded fresh basil.
Is there a specific serving size or calorie count?
The recipe does not specify individual serving sizes or nutritional facts like calories.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.
What does the description say about the visual appeal?
The description notes the dish is visually appealing due to its vibrant colors.
Does the oil need to be room temperature before adding cheese?
Yes, the oil mixture must cool to room temperature before pouring it over the mozzarella cubes.
What happens if I boil the oil?
The recipe warns not to let it boil to ensure the garlic and herbs infuse gently without burning.
How much mozzarella is needed?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese.