Classic Caprese Salad
If you happen to grow your own tomatoes and basil, this is a must-make dish for you! Nothing really beats homegrown ingredients and this recipe is a perfect way to use it.
Quick Overview
Caprese salad or Insalata Caprese, is a combination of mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Literally translated insalata caprese means “salad of Capri.”
This is a perfect summer salad because there is minimal effort that goes into it and a great way to use summer produce. Making it at home lets you choose the ripest produce and creamiest cheese, ensuring every bite tastes brighter than most restaurant versions.
Believed to have originated on the island of Capri in the 1920s as a patriotic nod to the Italian flag, Caprese didn’t gain worldwide traction until a hotel chef popularized it in the 1950s. Today, it’s just as impressive as a party appetizer, easy enough for a backyard BBQ, or simply pack it as a perfect picnic food option.
Ingredient Questions Before You Shop
Best tomatoes for Caprese salad: The best tasting tomato is by far heirloom tomatoes! Unfortunately, they are not always readily available at the grocery stores, so grab tomatoes on the vine as the second best option, or Roma tomatoes.
Balsamic vinegar: you can use either use traditional balsamic vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, or even a flavored one if you’re lucky enough to find one at a specialty store. NOTE: that if you buy a high grade balsamic vinegar at a store, it may be thick and not need to be reduced.
Things to Remember When Making Balsamic Glaze
Bring the mixture to simmer as you slowly but continuously whisk.
Simmer over low to medium-low heat and make sure it is simmering gently. Keep your eye on it though, because it thickens pretty quickly towards the end of cook time.
BIGGEST TIP: don’t wait until the reduction reaches the consistency you want it to be as it’s cooking! Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools! So if you wait until it’s thick as it cooks, it will be solid once cooled.
Storing Suggestion
Keep your caprese salad stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will be good for about 24 hours. After that, the fresh ingredients begin to wilt.
You can always prep the balsamic glaze ahead of time. Make sure to keep it in a glass jar with a secure airtight lid. It may be kept for months at a time in the refrigerator if you didn’t add sugar.
If you did add sugar, it will stay good for several weeks.
What Pairs Well with Caprese Salad
There are so many delicious ways to compliment this simple salad! Here are just a few of my favorite entrees to serve alongside caprese salad:
- Italian Meatballs
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Chicken Parmesan
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Stuffed Shells
- Lasagna
- Chicken Cacciatore
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Caprese Salad Recipe with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 4 tomatoes on a vine
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 10-12 basil leaves
Balsamic Reduction:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
Instructions
Balsamic Glaze:
- Whisk balsamic vinegar and honey in a small sauce pot and set the heat medium. Bring the mixture to simmer.
- Once it starts to simmer, turn the heat down to medium-low. Let vinegar gently simmer, stirring every minute or so, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the spoon. (It will take 7-10 minutes but please note, that it will start to thicken fast during the last couple of minutes so keep an eye on it.)*
Caprese Salad:
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese as close to the same thickness as you can.
- Lay out the tomato and mozzarella slices, alternating them, either in a circle or in a couple of lines.
- Either mince the basil leaves or tuck them whole in between the tomatoes and cheese. Try to spread them around evenly.
- Once the balsamic reduction cools to room temperature, drizzle it all over the tomatoes and mozzarella. (Serve remaining balsamic reduction on the side so your guests can serve themselves more if they wish.)
Notes
Nutrition
Categories:
30 Minute Meals, Appetizer Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, Italian Dinner Recipes, Salad Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Recipes,All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.
This is my favorite summer salad! I use this recipe at least once a week!
It’s wonderful that this recipe has become a favorite and a regular part of your weekly meals!
Our garden is over flowing with tomatoes and basil this year and this is my new favorite side dish for every meal. Adding the honey to the balsamic vinegar is genius.