Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
The classic Italian Caprese salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this salad is easy to prepare and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil is a classic for a reason, and the drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a touch of richness and acidity that brings the whole dish together.
The Caprese salad is said to have originated on the island of Capri in the early 1900s. The salad was created as a way to celebrate the flavors of the island, and it quickly became a popular dish among both locals and tourists. The salad is traditionally made with fresh, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The tomatoes are sliced and arranged on a platter, and the mozzarella is sliced and placed on top of the tomatoes. The basil leaves are then torn and sprinkled over the salad. The salad is then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The Caprese salad is a simple dish, but it is full of flavor and is a perfect way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.
Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • Sliced vine-ripened tomatoes
  • Fresh mozzarella balls, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
  1. Arrange the tomato slices on a platter.
  2. Top with the mozzarella slices and basil leaves.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano, if using.
  5. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil is a classic for a reason. The flavors of these three ingredients complement each other perfectly, and the result is a salad that is both refreshing and flavorful.
  • The drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a touch of richness and acidity to the salad. The olive oil helps to bring out the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella, while the balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity. The combination of these two ingredients helps to balance out the flavors of the salad and makes it even more delicious.
  • The salt and pepper help to season the salad and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. The salt helps to enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella, while the pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity.