When it comes to refreshing and flavorful summer salads, the Caprese salad, also known as Insalata Caprese or Mozzarella salad, stands out as a classic Italian dish. It's a simple yet elegant combination of fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. The colors of the Italian flag are beautifully represented in this dish: the red tomatoes, the white mozzarella, and the green basil. Originating from the island of Capri in Italy, this beloved salad has gained popularity worldwide and is now enjoyed as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CAPRESE SALAD WITH HOMEMADE MOZZARELLA
Steps:
- In a large pot, heat a gallon of water to a simmer. In a large bowl, break up the mozzarella curd into small pieces. Coat the curd with 1 tablespoon salt, and set aside. In another large bowl, add remaining salt to the second gallon of water along with as much ice as it can hold.
- This is where it gets a little tricky. Carefully pour the hot water over the salted curd. As the curds begin to melt, carefully stir with a wooden spoon or spatula for 1 minute. Submerge both of your hands in the ice water for as long as you can stand it, because you're about to stretch the mozzarella in hot water. To protect your hands, you may wear rubber gloves if desired.
- The curd will have settled into the bottom of the bowl, and at this point you have to work quickly or risk over-cooking the curd and it becoming rubbery. Dip your hands into the hot water and begin stretching the mozzarella. By stretching the cheese, you insure that all the curds have completely melted. Form the mozzarella into tomato size balls, and then drop the mozzarella into the ice water to set.
- Slice the mozzarella in 1/4-inch slices. On a serving platter, arrange mozzarella and tomato slices, alternating and overlapping a bit. Top with basil. Drizzle with olive oil; season salt and pepper.
- Wrap remaining mozzarella balls tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
MOZZATO SALAD (AKA CAPRESE)
We love this in the summertime with fresh basil and homegrown tomatoes, but the colors compliment winter holiday dinners as well.
Provided by chia2160
Categories Cheese
Time 10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Alternate tomato slice, cheese slice, and basil leaf on platter.
- Garnish with extra leaves and then drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar.
CAPRESE SALAD
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. -Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Arrange the tomatoes, cheese and basil on a serving platter. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients; drizzle over salad. If desired, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 19g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 161mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.
MOZZA "CAPRESE"
Mario Batali taught me how to make this dish year round, even if tomatoes aren't in season. Slowly roasting the tomatoes in their own juices makes this antipasto sweet and delicious any time of year.
Provided by Nancy Silverton
Categories main-dish
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Assemble salad: Cut the burrata into equal segments and place the segments cut side up on each of six plates. Spoon 1 tablespoon of pesto over each portion of cheese. Use the scissors to cut the tomato vines as necessary, dividing the tomatoes into six clusters, and place one cluster atop each serving of cheese. Garnish each plate with fresh basil and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
- Add the pine nuts, grated garlic, and salt to a mortar; gently pound with pestle until a course paste forms. Chop the basil leaves, add them to the mortar, and continue to pound and grind until the basil is integrated with the pine nut mixture. Stir in the lemon zest and slowly drizzle in the olive oil while gently pounding the mixture. Add the lemon juice and cheese. Taste for seasoning and add more salt of lemon juice if desire.
- Tomatoes: Adjust the oven rack to the centre position and preheat the oven to 300 F. Keeping the tomatoes attached to the vine, gently place them on a wire rack fitted in a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil on the tomatoes, then sprinkle with salt. Roast until the skins are shriveled but the tomatoes are still plump, about 1½ hours. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
Tips:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The riper the tomatoes, the sweeter and more flavorful your salad will be.
- Choose fresh mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is softer and creamier than regular mozzarella, and it will melt in your mouth.
- Use good quality olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for this salad. It has a fruity flavor that will complement the other ingredients.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste: Don't be afraid to add a little salt and pepper to your salad. It will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Serve the salad immediately: Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh. Don't let it sit for too long, or the mozzarella will start to toughen up.
Conclusion:
Caprese salad is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal preferences. Whether you like your salad with more tomatoes, more mozzarella, or more basil, there is a Caprese salad out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing meal, give Caprese salad a try.
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