Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO)

I love how fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil come together in my take on how to make Caprese salad. Each vibrant layer is enhanced with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of homemade balsamic glaze, balanced by just the right touch of salt and freshly ground pepper.

I gotta say I’ve always been excited about creating vibrant dishes that are both stunning to look at and bursting with flavor. Today I’m sharing my take on a Caprese Salad recipe, complete with that must-try homemade balsamic glaze.

Imagine juicy tomatoes sliced into perfect 1/4 inch rounds layered alongside fresh slices of 8 oz mozzarella cheese. Toss in a handful of basil leaves and you instantly know you’ve got a true crowd pleaser.

I like to drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and add a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper to really enhance the flavors. The homemade balsamic glaze takes this salad to a whole new level, offering a sweet tang that balances the creaminess and freshness of the tomatoes and cheese.

I’ve experimented with different glaze ideas for caprese and this one is a fresh twist perfect for a quick salad dinner or even as a cold salad for a crowd. Enjoy trying this out and let me know what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this Caprese salad because it always reminds me of sunny days in Italy and its super simple to make. I really dig the way the juicy tomatoes mix with the creamy mozzarella and crisp basil leaves even if sometimes my slices aren’t perfect. I also like how the homemade balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang that really makes every bite pop. Plus the whole thing comes together so fast that it quickly becomes my go-to recipe when I need a fresh meal that doesn’t stress me out too much.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: They bring a natural sweetness and tanginess, plus a decent amount of fibre and vitamin C.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and soft, it adds protein and calcium; its mild flavour also helps balance the tang.
• Basil Leaves: These provide a fresh, herby taste that makes the salad taste more lively and vibrant.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, it smooths out the flavours and adds a glossy touch.
• Balsamic Glaze: Offers a sweet and sour twist, turning every bite into a burst of rich flavours.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but key seasonings that enhance every ingredient without overpowering.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Homemade balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by slicing your tomatoes into 1/4 inch rounds as evenly as possible.

2. Next, slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds roughly the same thickness as your tomato slices.

3. On a large plate or serving dish, arrange the tomato slices in a circular pattern.

4. Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each tomato slice, trying to keep the layers even.

5. Tuck a fresh basil leaf between each tomato and mozzarella stack; don’t worry if you run out, just spread them out over the salad.

6. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the salad to add a nice richness.

7. Then, drizzle the homemade balsamic glaze over everything for that sweet and tangy flavor.

8. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

9. Give a gentle final drizzle of olive oil if needed, just so all the flavors meld together.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Caprese Salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Chef’s knife for slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella
2. A sturdy cutting board for all your chopping needs
3. A large serving plate or dish for presenting the salad
4. A bottle or small container with a spout to drizzle the extra virgin olive oil
5. A similar bottle or container to drizzle the homemade balsamic glaze
6. A salt shaker for an even sprinkle of salt
7. A pepper mill for freshly ground black pepper

FAQ

Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have ripe tomatoes, try using halved cherry tomatoes instead its a fun twist
• For fresh mozzarella, burrata or even a good quality feta works pretty well if you’re in a pinch
• If basil leaves are hard to find, you can swap them out for some arugula which gives a nice bite
• Out of extra virgin olive oil? Avocado oil is a great alternative that keeps the flavor fresh
• If you’re short on balsamic glaze, just simmer balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar until it thickens up a bit

Pro Tips

1. When slicing the tomatoes, make sure you use a really sharp knife and take your time so you dont end up with uneven slices. If a tomato feels too soft, try chillin it in the fridge for a bit, it makes it easier to cut neatly.
2. For the mozzarella, a lot of people forget to pat it dry so it dosent make the salad watery. Give it a quick dab with a paper towel before layering it on the tomatoes.
3. If youre planning to use a lot of basil but worry that it might wilt too fast, try tossing the basil in a little olive oil first or just add it at the last minute so the flavor stays fresh.
4. When drizzlin the balsamic glaze, be careful not to overdo it. Drizzle a little at the end so the sweet and tangy flavor doesnt overpower the tomatoes and cheese, its all about finding the right balance.