Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil
A classic Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the flavors of fresh, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil. This salad is a refreshing and flavorful way to start a meal or enjoy as a light lunch. The key to a great Caprese salad is using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find.
The Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that originated on the island of Capri in the early 1900s. The salad is said to have been created by a local fisherman who used the freshest ingredients he could find to create a simple yet delicious dish. The salad quickly became popular with tourists and locals alike, and it is now a staple of Italian cuisine.
The Caprese salad is a simple dish, but it is important to use the best ingredients you can find. The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy, the mozzarella cheese should be fresh and creamy, and the basil should be fresh and aromatic. If you can find fresh buffalo mozzarella, it will make the salad even more delicious.
To make a Caprese salad, simply slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese and arrange them on a plate. Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange the mozzarella slices on a plate.
- Top with the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Why It Works
- The combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- The olive oil and balsamic vinegar add a richness and depth of flavor to the salad.
- The salt and pepper help to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.