An Italian Caprese Salad is an especially great choice when the tomatoes are ripe and juicy. Slices of tomatoes and creamy fresh Mozzarella cheese are combined with the sweet, peppery taste of fresh basil leaves. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper finish the salad.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Total Time5 minutesmins
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: caprese appetizer, caprese salad, Italian Caprese Salad, mozzarella and tomato salad
8ouncesfresh Mozzarella cheesecut into 1/4-inch slices
1bunch fresh basil
4tablespoonsExtra-virgin olive oil
2tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
large-flake sea salt (such as Maldon)
ground black pepperfreshly ground
Instructions
Arrange alternating slices of tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese on two chilled salad plates. Tuck basil leaves randomly between the tomatoes and cheese slices.
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh tomatoes that are approximately the same diameter as the cheese ball
Any type of tomato works for this salad, the fresher, the better!
A red wine vinegar is the traditional choice for this salad but a balsamic or thick balsamic glaze vinegar also works.
This salad can be prepared in advance without the oil and vinegar dressing. Cover each salad and refrigerate; then add the oil/vinegar when serving.