Description
A classic Italian Caprese Salad featuring fresh tomato slices, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves drizzled with a homemade balsamic reduction and extra-virgin olive oil. This easy-to-make appetizer or side dish balances fresh, vibrant flavors with a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 tomatoes (about 3″ in diameter)
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella (about 3″ sized mozzarella balls)
- 12 large basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Kosher salt (for seasoning)
- Black pepper (for seasoning)
Balsamic Reduction
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey, stirring to mix. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer with bubbles, stirring occasionally. Continue to simmer until the liquid reduces to about ¼ to ⅓ cup, which should take approximately 20 to 25 minutes, resulting in a thick syrupy consistency.
- Cool the Reduction: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the balsamic reduction to cool slightly. It should resemble the consistency of maple syrup. If the sauce becomes too thick as it cools, add a bit of warm water and gently reheat over low heat to thin it out. Alternatively, for a thicker sauce, reduce it down to ¼ cup.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Slice the fresh mozzarella into 12 even slices, about ¼-inch thick. Similarly, slice the tomatoes into 12 slices of roughly ¼-inch thickness. On a serving platter, alternately arrange the tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and whole basil leaves in an overlapping pattern to create a visually appealing presentation.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the arranged salad generously with extra-virgin olive oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, drizzle the salad with the cooled balsamic reduction or serve the reduction on the side for guests to add as desired.
Notes
- Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant dish combining fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil enhanced by a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
- This recipe makes a perfect appetizer or side dish and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
- To achieve the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and high-quality fresh mozzarella.
- The balsamic reduction can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Adjust seasoning and balsamic drizzle according to personal taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 124 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 238 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg
