Caprese Salad
This salad is perfect for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove, or when you’re hosting friends and need a quick appetizer that looks impressive.
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plate or platter
- Small spoon or drizzle bottle (optional)
- Paper towels (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 Large ripe tomatoes Roma or heirloom work great
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese preferably mozzarella balls or logs
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoons balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
- Rinse your tomatoes under cool water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Use a sharp knife to slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices even so everything layers nicely.
- Set them aside on a plate for easy access.
- Pro Tip: If your tomatoes are extra juicy, lay the slices on a paper towel for a few minutes to soak up some of the moisture. This keeps your salad from getting soggy.
Step 2: Slice the Mozzarella
- If you're using a mozzarella log, slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds to match the size of your tomato slices.
- If you're using mozzarella balls (bocconcini), slice them in half or leave them whole if they’re small.
- Set aside in a small bowl or on a plate.
- Pro Tip: Fresh mozzarella can be a bit slippery — use a sharp knife and go slowly to avoid tearing the cheese.
Step 3: Rinse and Pick the Basil
- Gently rinse the basil leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pick the prettiest, whole leaves for layering. Tear a few smaller ones if you like a more rustic look.
Step 4: Layer the Salad
- On a large serving plate, start with a slice of tomato, then place a slice of mozzarella slightly overlapping it.
- Tuck a basil leaf between each layer, either on top or in between the tomato and cheese.
- Continue layering in a circle or straight line, depending on your plate shape and presentation style.
- Pro Tip: If you’re serving this to guests, layer the salad in a circle on a round plate for that “wow” factor.
Step 5: Drizzle and Season
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the entire salad. You can use a spoon or a small pour bottle to control the amount.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If you’re using balsamic glaze, drizzle it lightly over the top at this stage.
- Pro Tip: Go easy on the salt at first — fresh mozzarella already has a mild saltiness, so taste before adding more.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~10g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Calcium: ~20% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: ~15% of daily value
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.