Ultimate Summer Caprese Salad
This Ultimate Summer Caprese Salad celebrates the vibrant flavors of Italy and is perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Simple yet sophisticated, it showcases the essence of summer with ripe heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Sourcing your ingredients from home gardens or local farmers' markets elevates this dish, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful experience. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal starter or side for any outdoor meal. Enjoy your culinary journey with this refreshing dish, and feel free to share your feedback if you try it before I do!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Heirloom tomatoes
4 (large, sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
1 (lb, sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Fresh basil leaves
1/3 (cup)
English cucumber
1 (thinly sliced)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 (tablespoons)
Fine sea salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by slicing your heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick slices. Set aside.
2
Thinly slice the English cucumber and arrange it around the edge of a large serving platter, slightly overlapping each slice to create a beautiful rim.
3
In the center of the platter, alternate layers of tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves, working from the center outwards for an attractive presentation.
4
Once the tomatoes and mozzarella are beautifully arranged, drizzle the entire salad with extra virgin olive oil.
5
Finally, lightly sprinkle with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Summer Caprese Salad?
The Ultimate Summer Caprese Salad is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, often served with English cucumber.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, English cucumber, extra virgin olive oil, fine sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving of this Caprese salad.
Is this Ultimate Summer Caprese Salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How thick should I slice the tomatoes and mozzarella?
Both the heirloom tomatoes and the fresh mozzarella should be sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces.
What type of cucumber is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one English cucumber, which should be thinly sliced.
How do I arrange the cucumber on the serving platter?
The sliced English cucumber should be arranged around the edge of a large serving platter, slightly overlapping each slice to create a decorative rim.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile.
How much protein is in this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 7.5g of protein.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It is recommended to serve this salad immediately after preparation to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures of the ingredients.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This salad contains 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of salt should be used for seasoning?
The recipe suggests using fine sea salt to taste.
Where is the best place to source ingredients for this salad?
For the freshest and most flavorful experience, sourcing ingredients from home gardens or local farmers' markets is highly recommended.
Is this salad considered a main course or a side dish?
This dish is categorized as both an appetizer and a side dish, perfect for outdoor meals.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 7 ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I layer the tomatoes and mozzarella?
In the center of the platter, alternate layers of tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves, working from the center outwards.
What size of heirloom tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe calls for 4 large heirloom tomatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, cucumber, oil, salt, pepper) are naturally gluten-free.
How much fresh mozzarella is required?
You will need 1 lb of fresh mozzarella cheese.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of fresh basil leaves.
Does the recipe include balsamic vinegar?
No, this specific version of Caprese salad uses extra virgin olive oil without balsamic vinegar to highlight the fresh ingredients.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium content is not provided, as the sea salt is added to taste.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish due to its use of fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for its fragrance and texture, which are central to a traditional Caprese salad.
How much olive oil should I drizzle?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this salad vegan?
No, it contains mozzarella cheese, which is a dairy product.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of heirloom?
Yes, but heirloom tomatoes are recommended for their superior color and vibrant summer flavor.
What makes this the 'Ultimate' version?
This version is called 'Ultimate' because it incorporates English cucumber for added crunch and presentation, alongside high-quality heirloom tomatoes.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
While the specific amount is not listed in the data provided, fresh mozzarella typically contains cholesterol.