Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Fresh Basil

You don't come to a website like Serious Eats for a recipe for a basic Caprese salad, but here's a recipe for the best Caprese salad you'll ever make, complete with a sweet-tart balsamic glaze that'll make you forget all about the bottled stuff. One of the most important things to keep in mind when making a Caprese salad is to use the freshest, ripest ingredients possible. The tomatoes should be juicy and flavorful, the mozzarella should be soft and creamy, and the basil should be fragrant and aromatic. For the balsamic glaze, we start with a simple reduction of balsamic vinegar. By simmering the vinegar over low heat, we allow the sugars in the vinegar to caramelize, resulting in a thick, syrupy glaze with a complex, sweet-tart flavor. To assemble the salad, we simply arrange the mozzarella and tomato slices on a platter or individual plates, then top with basil leaves. We then drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper. The result is a salad that is both simple and elegant, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is made with just a few simple ingredients: fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil. It is said to have originated on the island of Capri in the early 1900s, and it quickly became a popular dish throughout Italy and beyond. There are many different stories about how the Caprese salad was created. One story claims that it was invented by a chef at a restaurant on Capri who was looking for a way to use up some leftover ingredients. Another story claims that it was created by a group of fishermen who were out on a boat and decided to make a lunch with the ingredients they had on hand. Whatever the true story may be, there is no doubt that the Caprese salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a simple dish to make, but it is always a crowd-pleaser. I first had a Caprese salad when I was on a trip to Italy a few years ago. I was immediately hooked on the combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. When I got back home, I started making Caprese salads all the time. I always used fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, but I would often use a balsamic vinaigrette instead of a balsamic glaze. A few years ago, I started experimenting with making my own balsamic glaze. I was surprised at how easy it was to make, and I loved the way it added a touch of sweetness and complexity to the Caprese salad. I now use balsamic glaze in all of my Caprese salads, and I think it really makes a difference. If you are looking for a simple and delicious summer salad, I highly recommend trying this Caprese salad with balsamic glaze. It is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 baguette, sliced

Instructions

1. Arrange the mozzarella and tomato slices on a platter or individual plates.
2. Top with basil leaves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with baguette slices.

Why It Works

• Using fresh, ripe ingredients is key to making a great Caprese salad.
• The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the salad.
• The salad is simple to make, but it is always a crowd-pleaser.