3.95 6 Published Jun 19, 2024, Updated Jul 25, 2024 It’s the perfect appetizer for a summer shindig. Not only does it highlight two ingredients that are abundant (and cheap) during the summer months, but it’s amazingly flavorful without requiring a ton of ingredients. Fresh tomatoes and basil are key ingredients for this salad and if you don’t have perfectly ripe tomatoes, I honestly don’t recommend making it. Caprese salad is really only as good as the tomatoes you’re using.
ripe tomatoes – like I mentioned above, tomatoes are the star of the show here so make sure you have tomatoes that are perfect ripe and juicy. fresh basil – another key ingredient. fresh mozzarella – a fresh mozzarella cheese ball works great for caprese salad. olive oil – Caprese salad is a great time to break out your fancy olive oil! Since you’re not cooking the oil you’ll really be able to taste its subtle flavor. balsamic vinegar – the same goes for the balsamic vinegar… I recommend using the best balsamic you have on hand! That said, if you decide to make a balsamic reduction (see below) you can use a less expensive option. sea salt and fresh ground pepper – I highly recommend using fresh cracked pepper from a grinder and flaked sea salt for extra flavor. We’re hooked on Maldon sea salt flakes.
How to Make Caprese Salad
How to Make a Simple Balsamic Reduction (Balsamic Glaze)
If I have time I like to make a balsamic reduction for drizzling over the caprese salad. The reduction is sweeter, thicker and tends to stick to the tomatoes and mozzarella better. Making a balsamic reduction is really easy. Here’s how:
Add additional fresh herbs to the mix like fresh parsley, thyme or oregano Sprinkle on dried Italian seasoning Add capers, roasted garlic or roasted red peppers to the mix Sprinkle on crushed red pepper for some heat Add avocado slices for some creaminess Make it dairy-free by using Miyokos vegan mozzarella made from cashews.
How to Serve Caprese Salad
Caprese salad can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch or as a side salad with dinner. It pairs amazingly well with some sliced sourdough bread and grilled protein. It’s one of those salads that’s perfect to bring to a cookout! It’s light, refreshing, and so easy to make. It would be delicious with my grilled apple cider vinegar chicken, these grilled shrimp skewers, or these chicken kabobs. This is also a great salad to serve for a full Italian feast with something like my turkey bolognese, or this pasta primavera. Add alongside some fresh greens like this arugula salad or an easy spinach salad for a complete and healthy meal the whole family will love!
More Tomato-Packed Recipes to Try:
Roasted Tomato Salad Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad Caprese Pasta Salad Clean Eating Healthy Pasta Salad Edamame Salad with Corn and Tomatoes Mustard Greens Salad with Roasted Potatoes and Tomatoes
