This vibrant Caprese salad is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are paired with creamy fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves. The combination offers a perfect balance of acidity, creaminess, and herbal freshness. It requires no cooking, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days or as a refreshing starter for any meal. The dish relies on the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese, elevated by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a crack of black pepper. Serve it immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Tomato, Basil, & Mozzarella Salad
Description
This vibrant Caprese salad is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are paired with creamy fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves. The combination offers a perfect balance of acidity, creaminess, and herbal freshness. It requires no cooking, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days or as a refreshing starter for any meal. The dish relies on the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese, elevated by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a crack of black pepper. Serve it immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.Ingredients
Directions
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Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds, selecting 4 slices per tomato for even distribution.
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Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds that roughly match the size and thickness of the tomato slices.
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Arrange 2 to 3 tomato slices on each of the four salad plates in a slightly overlapping fan pattern.
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Top the tomato slices with the mozzarella slices, alternating or placing one piece of cheese per tomato slice.
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Tear or cut the fresh basil leaves into strips or small pieces and scatter them generously over the tomatoes and cheese.
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Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad.
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Finish with a fresh crack of black pepper over each plate.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 20.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 5.7mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 3.0g
- Protein 1.0g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best results, use ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Allow the mozzarella and tomatoes to come to room temperature before assembling for a more pronounced taste experience.
If a vegan option is required, substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based mozzarella alternative and ensure the basil and olive oil are certified vegan.
Serve immediately to prevent the flavors from wilting or the cheese from becoming too oily.