Mediterranean Caprese Salad Delight
This Mediterranean Caprese Salad Delight reinvents the classic Italian appetizer into a vibrant tossed salad perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Featuring fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, this dish bursts with flavor in every bite. Enhanced with a homemade dressing that combines the sweetness of balsamic vinegar, the warmth of 21 Seasoning Salute, and a hint of sugar, this salad brings a refreshing taste of Italy to your table. A colorful and nutritious side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delightful salad as a light meal or as an accompaniment to grilled meats and fish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
large leaf Italian basil
1 bunch (Torn into pieces)
ripe cherry tomatoes
1.5 cups (Halved)
fresh mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Cut into small pieces)
Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute
1 teaspoon (Used as seasoning)
sugar
1 teaspoon (Used for balancing flavors)
salt
1 pinch (Used for seasoning)
coarse ground pepper
1 pinch (Used for seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (Used as dressing base)
balsamic vinegar
1.5 tablespoons (Drizzled into dressing)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and then cutting them in half. Place them in a large salad bowl.
2
Next, take the fresh mozzarella cheese and cut it into bite-sized pieces that resemble the halved tomatoes. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3
Gently wash the basil leaves, removing any dirt or impurities. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces and fold them into the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
4
In a separate small bowl, combine the Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute, sugar, salt, and coarse ground pepper. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and whisk the mixture well until combined.
5
Once the dressing is ready, drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and whisk again to incorporate all the flavors.
6
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated.
7
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Caprese Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant tossed salad that reinvents the classic Italian appetizer with cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a bunch of large leaf Italian basil.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be washed thoroughly and then cut in half before being added to the bowl.
What type of cheese is used in Mediterranean Caprese Salad Delight?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized pieces.
How do I prepare the basil leaves?
Wash the basil leaves gently to remove impurities, then tear them into smaller pieces and fold them into the salad.
What is in the homemade dressing?
The dressing is a blend of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute, sugar, salt, and pepper.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the dressing?
Sugar is used in the dressing to balance the flavors, particularly the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
How do I mix the dressing components?
First whisk the olive oil with the dry seasonings and sugar, then drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and whisk again.
What seasoning gives this salad a unique Mediterranean warmth?
Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute is used to add depth and warmth to the salad's flavor profile.
Is this Mediterranean Caprese Salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How should the salad be served?
It can be served immediately for the freshest flavor or left to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
What can I serve alongside this salad?
It works perfectly as a light meal or as an accompaniment to grilled meats and fish.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for the dressing base.
How much balsamic vinegar is used?
The dressing uses 1.5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How should I cut the mozzarella?
Cut the mozzarella into small pieces that are similar in size to the halved cherry tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick side dish to prepare.
Can this salad be used for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect salad for gatherings or family dinners because it is colorful and easy to prepare.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-distributed?
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently but thoroughly until ingredients are evenly coated.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a pinch of coarse ground pepper.
How much salt is added to the recipe?
A single pinch of salt is used for seasoning the dressing.
Is the basil chopped or torn?
The instructions specify that the basil leaves should be torn into smaller pieces.
What makes this salad 'Mediterranean'?
It uses classic Mediterranean ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and tomatoes.
How many cherry tomatoes do I need?
You will need 1.5 cups of ripe cherry tomatoes.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
Yes, letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld better.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad features a mix of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and soft, aromatic basil leaves.
Should the dressing be mixed in the large bowl or a separate one?
The dressing should be mixed in a separate small bowl before being poured over the salad.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutritious side dish with fresh ingredients.
Is any cooking or heat required for this recipe?
No, this is a fresh, raw tossed salad that requires no cooking.
What type of basil is used?
The recipe specifically calls for large leaf Italian basil.