Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A fresh and flavorful Caprese Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, finished with drizzles of olive oil and balsamic glaze. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light meal or elegant appetizer.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp chef’s knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Large Serving Platter
- Measuring Spoons (set)
Ingredients
- 3 medium heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella sliced ¼-inch thick
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze store-bought, for drizzling
- ¼ cup fresh basil roughly chopped
- Additional whole basil sprigs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare and Slice the Tomatoes: Start by selecting ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes that are firm yet juicy. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residues. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice each tomato into uniform ¼-inch thick rounds. Aim for even slices to ensure balanced flavor and an attractive presentation. Lay the tomato slices flat on a clean cutting board or plate in a single layer.
- Sweeten and Season the Tomatoes: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of sugar evenly over the arranged tomato slices. This subtle sweetness enhances the natural acidity of the tomatoes, balancing the flavors beautifully. Then, add ¼ teaspoon of salt evenly on top. Allow the tomatoes to rest for a few minutes at room temperature — this short waiting period helps the sugar dissolve and the salt to gently draw out excess moisture, intensifying the tomato’s flavor and improving texture.
- Slice the Fresh Mozzarella: While the tomatoes are resting, take 1 pound of fresh mozzarella cheese.If not pre-sliced, use your sharp knife to cut the mozzarella into ¼-inch thick slices, matching the thickness of the tomato slices. Handle the mozzarella gently to preserve its creamy texture and avoid tearing. Set the slices aside on a clean plate.
- Layer Tomatoes and Mozzarella on the Platter: Select a large serving platter with enough space to arrange the salad attractively. Begin by placing a slice of tomato on the platter, followed by a slice of mozzarella directly next to it. Continue alternating tomato and mozzarella slices in a neat, overlapping row until all slices are arranged. This alternating pattern creates the classic Caprese look and allows each bite to have a perfect balance of ingredients.
- Final Seasoning and Peppering: Once the slices are arranged, sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt evenly over the entire salad. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste, distributing it gently for a subtle kick of spice that complements the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes.
- Drizzle Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze: Take about 1 tablespoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and drizzle it evenly over the layered salad. This adds richness and enhances the fresh ingredients with a fruity, peppery undertone. Next, drizzle an equal amount of balsamic glaze on top — its tangy sweetness provides a beautiful contrast and a glossy finish. There’s no need to be exact; eyeballing the amounts works well here for a balanced taste.
- Garnish with Fresh Basil: Roughly chop ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top of the salad. The basil adds a refreshing herbal aroma and vibrant green color, elevating both the flavor and presentation.For an extra touch of elegance, place a few whole basil sprigs around the edges of the platter as a garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately to preserve the texture and flavor of the tomatoes and mozzarella. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a light appetizer alongside your favorite Italian dishes. If needed, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving, but avoid longer storage to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use the freshest tomatoes and mozzarella you can find, as they are the stars of this dish. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes work best for their rich flavor and firm texture.
- Allow the tomatoes to rest with sugar and salt briefly; this step helps intensify their natural sweetness and reduces excess moisture for a better texture.
- Use a sharp knife to slice ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavor and an attractive presentation.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain their fresh flavor and glossy appearance.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a versatile option for many diets.
