Tomato, Basil, & Mozzarella Salad

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.

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 20.4

Dietary: Diabetic, Gluten-free, Vegetarian

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

1 pound large red tomatoes
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
8 leaves fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 dash cracked black pepper

Directions

1
Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds, selecting 4 slices per tomato for even distribution.
2
Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds that roughly match the size and thickness of the tomato slices.
3
Arrange 2 to 3 tomato slices on each of the four salad plates in a slightly overlapping fan pattern.
4
Top the tomato slices with the mozzarella slices, alternating or placing one piece of cheese per tomato slice.
5
Tear or cut the fresh basil leaves into strips or small pieces and scatter them generously over the tomatoes and cheese.
6
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad.
7
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.

Keywords: caprese, salad, italian, tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, fresh, summer, appetizer, side dish, vegetarian, no cook, simple, classic, healthy

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/tomato-basil-mozzarella-salad-2/