Caprese Salad

Chef's notes

"Salad of Capri" is a wonderful yet simple salad made by layering seasonal tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. It is traditionally flavored with fine olive oil and a little salt to preserve the pure flavors of its fresh ingredients (my personal favorite). You can also use a lite balsamic vinaigrette instead. Either way, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You will be amazed with the magic balsamic glaze brings to this dish.

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Ingredients

Basic recipe for 6

4 or 5 flavor intense seasonal tomatoes
1-pound fresh mozzarella, pre-sliced or solid
About 30 fresh basil leaves
Balsamic vinaigrette or fine olive oil with a small sprinkle of salt

Balsamic vinagrette

Combine 1/2 cup of quality olive oil with 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Add 1/8 teaspoon prepared mustard, 1 teaspoon finely chopped basil, salt and pepper

Balsamic glaze

homemade, recipe above or store bought)

Optional additions:

finely chopped red onion and olives (as shown)
Marinated mushrooms, anchovies, roasted and diced peppers, delicate crostini

Instructions

Core and cut tomatoes vertically into 1/4 inches' thick slices. If not pre-sliced, cut fresh mozzarella into 18 equal slices.
Assemble (using the largest diameter slices first), place one slice of tomatoes on each plate followed by a slice of mozzarella and a basil leaf. Repeat, by adding another slice of tomatoes, a basil leaf and another slice of cheese, basil and tomatoes. Use the smaller slices of cheese, tomato and basil leaf on one side. If using optional ingredients, decoratively place them on the plate.
Stir vinaigrette and spoon over the salad or spoon a light coating of olive oil and salt very lightly. Finish with healthy drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Important, use fresh mozzarella in brine sold either at the deli counter or in vacuum sealed packages. Fresh mozzarella is not the same as "Buffalo Mozzarella". True Italian Buffalo Mozzarella is traditionally made from buffalo milk. It is sold as "Mozzarella di Bufala Campana" and is certified and protected. It is also welcomed in this salad.
Simple option that's just as good: In a rush or simply cooking for family, you can make a version of this recipe using varieties of excellent small gourmet tomatoes and small balls of fresh mozzarella. Simply core each tomato and half them lengthwise. Also half small balls of fresh mozzarella. Place them in a in a bowl. Add coarsely sliced basil leaves, balsamic dressing or fine olive oil lightly salted. Serve with balsamic glaze.

No items found.

Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad

Ingredients

Instructions

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