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Easy Gourmet Caprese Salad

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A quick, fresh, and budget-friendly Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe tomatoes, preferably vine-ripened or heirloom
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella ball or mozzarella di bufala
  • About 12 large fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or glaze (optional but recommended)
  • A pinch of sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: A pinch of dried oregano or crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil to prevent the salad from getting watery (5 minutes).
  2. Slice the tomatoes into roughly 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick slices, keeping them even for nice layering (5 minutes).
  3. Slice the mozzarella ball into slices about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick; chill for 15 minutes if cheese is too soft for cleaner cuts (5 minutes).
  4. Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter, slightly overlapping; tuck fresh basil leaves between layers (5 minutes).
  5. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or glaze evenly over the salad; sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; add optional dried oregano or red pepper flakes if desired (2 minutes).
  6. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cheese to soften slightly (optional but recommended).

Notes

Use fresh buffalo mozzarella if possible for best texture. Chill mozzarella before slicing if too soft. Assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess. If tomatoes are very juicy, blot slices with paper towel. Let salad rest briefly for deeper flavor. Store leftovers in fridge up to 24 hours with dressing separate.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, easy salad, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, quick recipe, budget-friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-gourmet-caprese-salad-recipe-under-5-dollars-to-make-today/