Best 4 The Best Caprese Salad Recipes

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Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing Caprese salad, a classic Italian dish that is simple to make yet bursting with flavor. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a colorful and delicious salad that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish to grilled meats or fish. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates a taste sensation that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

CAPRESE SALAD



Caprese Salad image

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

4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

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.

CAPRESE SALAD



Caprese Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups balsamic vinegar
3 ripe tomatoes
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, thickly sliced
Large bunch fresh basil leaves
Olive oil, for drizzling
Large pinch kosher salt
Large pinch freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Measure the balsamic vinegar and pour into a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over a low heat. Cook it until the balsamic vinegar has reduced to a nice thick glaze (but still pourable), about 15 minutes. Oh and one other thing, your house will stink. But it's a good kind of stink, it's a vinegary stink. Allow the reduction to cool to room temperature before you serve it.
  • When you are ready to assemble the salad, cut the tomatoes into thick slices. Arrange them on a platter, alternating them with the mozzarella slices. Tuck the whole basil leaves in between the tomato and cheese slices.
  • Drizzle on the gorgeous, almost black balsamic reduction. Then drizzle olive oil in a thin stream over the top. Finally, sprinkle on salt and pepper.
  • You need this in your life. Make it today my friends.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calorie, Fat 17 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 35 milligrams, Sodium 167 milligrams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fiber 0.5 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 11 grams

THE BEST CAPRESE SALAD



The Best Caprese Salad image

This classic Italian caprese salad is quintessential summer fare. Serve with a chilled white wine and enjoy in the sunshine or on a balmy summer evening!

Provided by ChefJackie

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced, or to taste
1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
½ cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving plate, alternating between them. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Cholesterol 72.6 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 748.4 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

CLASSIC CAPRESE SALAD



Classic Caprese Salad image

This classic summer dish doesn't get any simpler or more delicious. Use different-colored heirloom tomatoes for the prettiest salad, and buffalo milk mozzarella for the best tasting one.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     brunch, easy, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound fresh, best-quality mozzarella (preferably buffalo milk)
4 medium heirloom tomatoes
1 bunch fresh basil, leaves only, some reserved for garnish
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
Coarsely ground black pepper
High-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • While mozzarella is cold, slice it into 1/4-inch slices. Let it sit, loosely covered, to come to room temperature while you prepare the tomatoes.
  • Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices, leaving them in a single layer on the cutting board as you go. Sprinkle generously with salt.
  • On a serving platter, arrange the mozzarella, tomato slices, and whole basil leaves so they overlap slightly. Pour any tomato juices from the cutting board over the dish. Sprinkle again with salt and pepper, and drizzle with plenty of oil. Top with reserved basil, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 262, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 478 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad. Choose tomatoes that are red, juicy, and free of blemishes.
  • Cut the tomatoes evenly: This will help ensure that they cook evenly and that the salad has a nice presentation.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the tomatoes, make sure to give them enough space so that they can brown properly.
  • Season the tomatoes well: A little bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will go a long way in enhancing the flavor of the tomatoes.
  • Use good quality cheese: The cheese is another important component of this salad, so make sure to use a cheese that you enjoy. A firm cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan will work well.
  • Fresh basil is a must: Basil is what really makes this salad special. Use fresh basil leaves, and tear them just before serving.
  • Drizzle with a good quality olive oil: A good quality olive oil will help to enhance the flavors of the salad.

Conclusion:

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you are serving it as an appetizer or as a main course, Caprese salad is sure to please everyone at your table.

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