Description
A fresh and simple Italian salad made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom or vine-ripened
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional but recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Select the ripest tomatoes for best flavor.
- Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds similar in size to the tomatoes.
- Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving platter in a single layer or slight overlapping circle.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices and scatter some on top.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
- Optionally, add a splash of balsamic vinegar over the salad.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Notes
- Use the freshest tomatoes and mozzarella for best taste and texture.
- Keep mozzarella slices thick enough to retain creaminess.
- Arrange slices evenly for balanced flavors.
- Lightly dress the salad to avoid overpowering the ingredients.
- Always use fresh basil leaves instead of dried for more vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook assembly
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Caprese Salad, Italian Salad, Tomato Mozzarella Basil, Summer Salad, Fresh Salad