Caprese Salad
This caprese salad is a timeless favorite that highlights the beauty of seasonal ingredients. It comes together in minutes with ripe, juicy tomatoes, slices of creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all finished with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a pinch of salt. For added depth, you can splash on a little balsamic glaze or cracked black pepper. Whether served as a starter, a side for grilled meats, or piled onto crusty bread, this salad is light, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds red ripe tomatoes 3-4 medium
- 12 ounce ball fresh mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil leaves about 15 leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
- balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into even ¼-inch thick slices for a balanced bite in every piece. On a large serving platter, layer the tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves, slightly overlapping them in a repeating pattern for a beautiful presentation.
- Drizzle the entire salad with a generous pour of olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. For an extra touch of sweetness and depth, you can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.