Italian Caprese Salad: A Tricolore of Summer Flavors
The Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is made with just a few simple ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. It is a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for summer. The key to a great Caprese salad is to use the best quality ingredients you can find. The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy, the mozzarella should be fresh and creamy, and the basil should be fresh and fragrant. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar should be of good quality as well.
The Caprese salad is thought to have originated in the Campania region of Italy in the early 1900s. The salad was inspired by the Italian flag, with the green basil representing the leaves, the white mozzarella representing the snow, and the red tomatoes representing the blood of the martyrs. The salad became popular throughout Italy and eventually spread to the rest of the world. Today, the Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Italian Caprese Salad: A Tricolore of Summer Flavors Italian Caprese Salad: A Tricolore of Summer Flavors Italian Caprese Salad: A Tricolore of Summer Flavors Italian Caprese Salad: A Tricolore of Summer Flavors
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Fresh mozzarella
  • Basil
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh oregano (optional)
Instructions
  1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into thin, even slices.
  2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating the colors.
  3. Tear the basil leaves and scatter them over the salad.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Garnish with fresh oregano, if desired.
Why It Works
  • The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil is a classic for a reason. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the freshness of the basil complement each other perfectly.
  • The olive oil and balsamic vinegar add a touch of acidity and richness 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 complexity.
  • The salt and black pepper help to balance out the flavors of the salad.