Classic Caprese salad is a flavorful, refreshing appetizer that's great for entertaining guests! It's a beautifully presented salad with layers of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, basil, sea salt and pepper, and drizzles of olive oil and balsamic reduction. Plus, this show-stopping dish is easy to prepare at a moment's notice.
Make a homemade balsamic reduction and drizzle on the caprese salad. Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Things You’ll Need
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5 large vine-ripened tomatoes (or medium heirloom tomatoes)
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16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
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20 small fresh basil leaves
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1/4 tsp sea salt, to taste
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1/8 tsp black pepper, to taste
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2 – 3 tbsp olive oil
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1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Gather your ingredients for the caprese salad Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Step 1
Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Step 2
Arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on a serving dish.
Arrange tomatoes and cheese on a platter Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Step 3
Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. Use a quality oil for optimal flavor.
Drizzle the tomatoes and cheese with olive oil Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Step 4
Sprinkle the tomato and mozzarella slices with sea salt and black pepper. Garnish with small fresh basil leaves.
Note: Be sure to use the smaller basil leaves rather than the large ones so as not to overpower the tomatoes and cheese. If you don't have small basil leaves, simply chop large leaves and sprinkle them on.
Sprinkle the tomatoes and mozzarella with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Step 5
Heat 1/4 to 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small skillet and bring it to a full boil. Allow mixture to boil, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to 1/2 or 1/3 of its original volume. Remove from heat and allow the reduction to cool before pouring it over the caprese salad.
Make a homemade balsamic reduction and drizzle on the caprese salad. Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Step 6
Serve the salad with a serving spoon or fork and small appetizer plates. You can also serve with toasted baguette for a finger food approach!
Classic Caprese Salad Image Credit: Julia Mueller
Tip
While this caprese salad is amazing as is, it is also amazing with toasted nuts, seeds and a sprinkle of feta or blue cheese. Even sliced apples and pears are a great addition! Keep it classic or change it up to your heart's delight using additional seasonal ingredients.
