Caprese Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella (Printable Version)

A refreshing Italian salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
02 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Dairy

03 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

→ Condiments

04 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1-2 tbsp balsamic glaze

→ Seasonings

06 - Sea salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a large platter, slightly overlapping each piece to create an attractive presentation.
02 - Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices, distributing evenly throughout the arrangement.
03 - Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the salad, followed by the balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern.
04 - Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately as a side dish or light appetizer.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in literally ten minutes but looks like something from a restaurant
  • The sweet balsamic glaze cuts through the creamy mozzarella in this way that makes people pause and ask what the secret ingredient is
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients matter. Cold mozzarella tastes waxy and cold tomatoes lose their sweetness
  • The salad releases liquid as it sits. If you need to prep ahead, arrange everything but wait to dress it until just before serving
03 -
  • Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels before slicing. Excess moisture makes the salad watery
  • Arrange everything on a rimmed platter or serving dish with slightly raised edges to contain the juices
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