Description
A classic Italian Caprese Salad featuring fresh, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella slices, aromatic basil leaves, and a sweet tangy balsamic reduction. This light and refreshing appetizer is easy to prepare and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a simple, elegant side dish.
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 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir to mix well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, allowing the liquid to bubble gently.
- Simmer to Thicken: Continue simmering the mixture for 20 to 25 minutes until it reduces to about ¼ to ⅓ cup. The consistency should be thick and syrupy, similar to maple syrup.
- Cool the Reduction: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the balsamic reduction to cool slightly so it thickens further. If the reduction becomes too thick, add a splash of warm water and gently heat to adjust consistency as desired.
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Slice the mozzarella into 12 even pieces, each about ¼-inch thick. Similarly, slice the tomatoes into 12 slices about ¼-inch thick each. Prepare the basil leaves by washing and drying them.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter, arrange alternating slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves overlapping each other neatly to create a visually appealing layered presentation.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the assembled salad generously with extra-virgin olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the Balsamic Reduction: Either drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for added sweetness and acidity.
Notes
- This Caprese salad recipe highlights the perfect balance of fresh ingredients and sweet balsamic reduction, making it a simple yet elegant dish.
- Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor experience.
- Adjust the thickness of the balsamic reduction by simmering longer for a thicker syrup or adding water if it becomes too thick.
- Feel free to serve this salad as a starter, side dish, or light lunch, paired beautifully with crusty bread or grilled meats.
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
