Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO)

Bursting with vibrant flavor, this Caprese salad celebrates tender tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil. The homemade balsamic glaze, reduced from balsamic vinegar and honey, adds tangy-sweet finish, creating a harmonious combination that enchants taste buds and elevates this Italian favorite into a masterpiece.

I recently discovered a super simple way to make a classic Caprese Salad recipe that really highlights the natural flavors by using fresh ingredients. I start with 3 large ripe tomatoes sliced just right, then add 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese and a good handful of fresh basil leaves.

This dish is a perfect cold salad for a crowd and it also serves as a light dinner. I drizzle in 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, season with salt and freshly ground pepper, and then top it all off with my homemade balsamic glaze made from 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons honey.

Not only does this glaze add a sweet tang that perfectly compliments the dish but it also brings a nutritional boost with antioxidants found in balsamic vinegar. I think using these ingredients and tips really shows how fantastic Caprese Salad ideas can be when you know how to make Caprese Salad the right way.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First of all, I like how it combines really fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. The flavors just pop and make each bite so refreshing. Second, making the balsamic glaze is super fun and feels like a cool little cooking hack that adds a sweet and tangy kick to the dish. Third, it’s really simple to put together. Even if you arent an expert in the kitchen, you can easily layer the tomatoes, cheese, and basil, then drizzle over the olive oil and homemade glaze to create a tasty salad that looks as good as it tastes. Fourth, i love serving this dish at parties because it always impresses my friends and makes everyone feel like they are enjoying something special without too much fuss.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: They are juicy and full of fiber and vitamins, adding a refreshing burst.
• Fresh mozzarella: Its creamy texture gives extra protein and calcium, making it rich.
• Basil leaves: They offers a fresh, herby aroma and lots of antioxidants boosting flavor.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Healthy fats that help blend all the flavors evenly without being heavy.
• Balsamic glaze: A sweet and tangy mix from vinegar and honey that elevates every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• A good handful of fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the balsamic glaze: 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• For the balsamic glaze: 2 tablespoons honey

How to Make this

1. Slice the tomatoes into even rounds, then do the same with the fresh mozzarella cheese.

2. Lay out a tomato slice on a plate, then top it with a mozzarella slice and a few basil leaves, repeating until all slices are used up.

3. Drizzle two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over the arranged tomato and mozzarella.

4. Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. In a small saucepan, pour in one cup of balsamic vinegar and add two tablespoons of honey.

6. Heat the mixture on medium heat until it starts to simmer, stirring occasionally.

7. Lower the heat and let it reduce slowly, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes, until it thickens.

8. Once the glaze has reduced to a syrupy consistency, remove the pan from the heat.

9. Let the balsamic glaze cool slightly so it doesn’t take away the flavor of the fresh ingredients.

10. Drizzle the homemade balsamic glaze evenly over the salad and serve immediately. Enjoy your Caprese salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board to slice the tomatoes and the mozzarella cheese
2. A sharp knife for making even rounds of tomato and cheese slices
3. A serving plate or platter to arrange the slices for the salad
4. A small saucepan to cook and reduce the balsamic glaze
5. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup to accurately add the olive oil, vinegar and honey
6. A stirring spoon to occasionally stir the glaze while it simmers
7. A stove or burner to heat the saucepan for the glaze

FAQ

Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have large ripe tomatoes, you could use halved cherry tomatoes or even sliced heirloom tomatoes for a different look.
• If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, try swapping in bocconcini or a mild goat cheese, which still gives you that creamy feel.
• No basil? Fresh arugula or even spinach can work in a pinch, although it brings a bit of a different flavor.
• If you’re out of extra-virgin olive oil, regular olive oil or avocado oil can be a good backup for drizzling.
• If making the balsamic glaze is a bother, you might reduce red wine vinegar with a bit of honey instead for a similar tangy-sweet effect.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your tomatoes are fully ripe and at room temperature before slicing ’em out; cold, under-ripe tomatoes can really mess with the flavor of the salad.
2. When you’re reducing the balsamic vinegar and honey, keep an eye on it and stir often so it doesnt burn or get too thick; every stove is different so watch it carefully.
3. Tear the basil leaves with your hands instead of chopping them—the rough edges help release the flavor a bit more and give the salad a rustic look.
4. Let the mozzarella sit out for a few minutes to reach room temperature before you slice it; cold cheese can sometimes taste a bit bland when compared to the other fresh ingredients.