Description
Classic Caprese Salad highlights fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. Ina Garten’s simple Mediterranean-inspired dish combines quality ingredients for a refreshing summer appetizer you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds (not cores) removed
- 16 oz (453 g) fresh salted mozzarella
- 12 fresh basil leaves, julienned
- ¼ cup (60 ml) good olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 ½ tbsps (22 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp sugar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Additional olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into uniform thickness, creating elegant medallions that will showcase the salad’s visual appeal.
- Arrange Salad Base: Layer alternating tomato and mozzarella slices in a circular or overlapping pattern on a pristine serving platter, creating a visually stunning presentation.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle freshly ground sea salt and cracked black pepper across the layers, allowing the seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Drizzle Dressing: Cascade extra virgin olive oil in a delicate stream over the tomato and mozzarella arrangement, ensuring even distribution of the rich, fruity essence.
- Garnish Finale: Scatter vibrant fresh basil leaves across the salad, gently tearing larger leaves to release their aromatic oils and create a rustic, elegant finish.
- Resting Stage: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes before serving, enabling the flavors to meld and ingredients to harmonize.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Select ripe, fresh tomatoes at peak season for maximum flavor and sweetness in your Caprese salad.
- Temperature Technique: Serve tomatoes at room temperature to enhance their natural taste and ensure optimal texture.
- Cheese Selection Tip: Use high-quality fresh mozzarella, preferably buffalo mozzarella, for authentic Italian flavor and creamy texture.
- Herb Freshness Rule: Tear fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg