Summer Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summertime with this exquisite Summer Caprese Salad. Featuring layers of succulent, ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, this dish is elevated by a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that requires a few hours of marinating to develop its rich taste. This fresh and colorful salad not only highlights the best of your garden's produce but also serves as a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering. For a gourmet touch, opt for fresh buffalo mozzarella to bring an indulgent creaminess to the dish. Surround the salad with thinly sliced Italian cold cuts for an impressive antipasto platter, perfect for summer entertaining.
N/A
Servings
108
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe tomatoes
3 large (sliced)
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (sliced)
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Fresh basil leaves
1/3 to 1/2 cup (chopped)
Fresh minced garlic
1-2 teaspoons
Salt
1 teaspoon
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons
Honey
3-4 teaspoons
Balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the balsamic vinaigrette. In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk or blend together until well mixed.
2
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified and has a smooth consistency.
3
Season the vinaigrette with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, shaking the container before use.
4
To assemble the salad, select a large serving platter. Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella slices, alternating them for a colorful presentation.
5
Generously drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the arranged tomatoes and mozzarella.
6
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to enhance the flavors.
7
Finish by scattering chopped fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor.
8
Serve immediately and enjoy the freshness of summer in every bite!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
5g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
It is a fresh and vibrant summertime salad featuring layers of ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, topped with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
What are the main ingredients for this Caprese salad?
The primary ingredients include three large ripe tomatoes, 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a vinaigrette made from garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the balsamic vinaigrette?
Whisk or blend minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, honey, and balsamic vinegar, then slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and smooth.
How long should the vinaigrette marinate?
The dressing should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What type of mozzarella is recommended for a gourmet version?
For an indulgent, gourmet touch, the recipe suggests using fresh buffalo mozzarella for added creaminess.
How should the salad be assembled?
Arrange sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a large platter, alternating them for a colorful presentation, then drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 108 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 9g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving in this salad.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This Caprese salad provides 3g of protein per serving.
Can I make an antipasto platter using this recipe?
Yes, you can surround the salad with thinly sliced Italian cold cuts to create an impressive antipasto platter for entertaining.
Is there honey in the dressing?
Yes, the vinaigrette requires 3-4 teaspoons of honey for sweetness.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much garlic is used in the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 1-2 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
What type of vinegar is needed?
You will need 6 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for three large ripe tomatoes, sliced.
How much fresh basil should be used?
Use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves to scatter on top.
Should I shake the dressing before using?
Yes, you should shake the container of vinaigrette after refrigeration and before drizzling it over the salad.
Is Dijon mustard included in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard are used to help emulsify and flavor the vinaigrette.
How do you finish the salad presentation?
Finish by sprinkling salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad and scattering fresh basil leaves on top.
Is this recipe suitable for summer entertaining?
Yes, it is described as a beautiful centerpiece for gatherings and highlights the best garden produce of the season.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
What categories or tags does this recipe fall under?
Tags include salad, caprese, tomato, mozzarella, balsamic vinaigrette, fresh basil, summer salad, italian, appetizer, and gourmet.
Can I use a food processor for the dressing?
Yes, the instructions state you can use either a mixing bowl or a food processor to combine the vinaigrette ingredients.
How is the mozzarella prepared?
The 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese should be sliced for the salad.
What gives the dressing its smooth consistency?
Slowly drizzling the olive oil while whisking ensures the dressing emulsifies into a smooth consistency.
How much salt is in the vinaigrette itself?
One teaspoon of salt is mixed directly into the vinaigrette, plus extra to taste for the salad assembly.
Does this recipe include balsamic glaze?
The recipe features a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that acts as a flavorful glaze for the tomatoes and cheese.
Is fresh pepper used?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is used both in the vinaigrette and as a final topping.
When should the salad be served?
It should be served immediately after assembly to enjoy the maximum freshness.