This salad is just a perfection, as far as I am concerned. Ingredients are simple but the key is using them together in a recipe. Basil + tomatoes + mozzarella is a match made in heaven. The salad is simple but very delicious. Yeah, you need only these three ingredients, you even can skip making separate Caprese salad dressing and drizzle it just with olive oil.
If you have never tried it, this antipasto recipe will blow your mind. You can use these ingredients not only to make Caprese salad, but also Caprese appetizers and Caprese skewers. Do not forget to sprinkle the dressing over them! Low calories, bright mouthwatering colors, fresh taste and rich aroma. What else can you ask for in a perfect salad recipe?
Ingredients for Caprese Salad:
- 1-2 mozzarella balls;
- 2 ripped tomatoes;
- 20 g basil leaves.
Ingredients for Caprese Salad Dressing:
- 2 tbsps. olive oil;
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar;
- 1 garlic clove;
- salt and black pepper to taste.
How to make Easy Caprese Salad with mozzarella and tomatoes:
- Take mozzarella out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before making the salad. Try choosing fresh mozzarella or mozzarella packed in marinade as vacuum packed is not so tasty and good for using in the salad (as it does not absorb dressing and flavors well). Slice mozzarella balls into thick slices (I find it easier to form salad with thicker slices).
- Now, cut tomatoes of your choice into round slices, too. I try to make slices of mozzarella cheese and tomatoes of the same thickness.
- Take a flat serving plate and place slices of tomato and mozzarella in a circle, tomato slice after mozzarella slice. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients.
How to Make Caprese Salad Dressing:
- Wash basil leaves under running water and pat them dry. Pick bright green, well-hydrated leaves and place them in the blender cup. Add garlic, 2 tbsp of olive oil and about 1 tsp of balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt.
- Blend the ingredients into one smooth well-combined mixture. You can adjust the thickness and the taste of this basil dressing by adding extra olive oil or any other type of spices and herbs. However, I love the salad for the simple but that vivid basil flavor combined with tomato without any extra herbs.
- Pour the dressing over mozzarella-tomato slices and some leaves of fresh basil to add that extra pop of green color. The salad is ready to be served. If desired, you can cool it down in the fridge before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Hope that you liked my spin on Classic Caprese Salad recipe and you will share it with your friends! This salad was a revelation to me. How many times it saved me, I can`t even tell you guys. It really takes 15 minutes to make and you have a perfect appetizer for your guest while you thinking what to make for a main course. Perfect for winter holidays, summer barbecues, I even like to have it as a separate meal for dinner sometimes. As always, leave all the questions and suggestions in the comment section below, love getting feedback from you.
Caprese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 mozzarella balls
- 2 ripped tomatoes
- 20 g basil leaves
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- salt and black pepper to your taste
Instructions
- Take mozzarella out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before making the salad. Try choosing fresh mozzarella or mozzarella packed in marinade as vacuum packed is not so tasty and good for using in the salad (as it does not absorb dressing and flavors well). Slice mozzarella balls into thick slices (I find it easier to form salad with thicker slices).
- Now, cut tomatoes of your choice into round slices, too. I try to make slices of mozzarella cheese and tomatoes of the same thickness.
- Take a flat serving plate and place slices of tomato and mozzarella in a circle, tomato slice after mozzarella slice. Sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients.
- Wash basil leaves under running water and pat them dry. Pick bright green, well-hydrated leaves and place them in the blender cup. Add garlic, 2 tbsp of olive oil and about 1 tsp of balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt.
- Blend the ingredients into one smooth well-combined mixture. You can adjust the thickness and the taste of this basil dressing by adding extra olive oil or any other type of spices and herbs. However, I love the salad for the simple but that vivid basil flavor combined with tomato without any extra herbs.
- Pour the dressing over mozzarella-tomato slices and some leaves of fresh basil to add that extra pop of green color. The salad is ready to be served. If desired, you can cool it down in the fridge before serving.
