A Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. It is quick and easy to prepare and a great way to use up those ripe summer tomatoes!
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what is a caprese salad?
A Caprese salad originates from Italy from an island called Capri. The salad was created as a as a light lunch. The classic Caprese salad is made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Balsamic glaze is not an ingredient that is typically added to the original version of this popular dish, however I love the sweet and tangy flavor that it adds!
caprese salad with balsamic glaze ingredients
- mozzarella- use fresh mozzarella, which is made into a ball shape and stored in a liquid. Fresh mozzarella has a shorter shelf life and will need to be used very soon after opening the package. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture.
- tomatoes- I find the ripest tomatoes for my Caprese salad. I choose a small vine-ripened Campari tomato, but any tomato can work!
- olive oil- use a high quality extra virgin variety. Because this dish is not cooked, the quality of the oil will really stand out! This is why I can't recommend any other oil in its place.
- balsamic glaze- you can buy store bought glaze however, it is so simple to make! Plus my version has only 1 ingredient! Check out my Homemade Balsamic Glaze recipe.
- fresh basil- fresh leaves will make your Caprese salad! Do not try to substitute with dry herbs!
- salt- I always twist a few grinds of sea salt over my Caprese.
- pepper- a few twists of cracked black pepper.
How to make a caprese salad with balsamic glaze
There is not much to this recipe so it comes together really quickly! If you do make your own balsamic glaze remember that it takes about 15 minutes and will need a few minutes to cool before you pour it on the salad.
Also fresh mozzarella should not be served cold straight from the fridge, so allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving.
I always cut my tomatoes using a serrated knife. A regular chef's knife, unless very sharp will smash your tomato. The serrated edge will easily cut through the skin of your tomato leaving a perfect slice. With this simply salad, presentation is everything!
Once you have made the glaze and sliced your tomatoes, it is time to plate the salad. First arrange the cheese slices on a serving plate. Top each cheese slice with a tomato. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Then sprinkle with salt, pepper and basil leaves.
is caprese salad healthy?
I love Caprese salad with Balsamic Glaze because it has minimal ingredients with maximum flavor! This is perfect for a light and healthy lunch or appetizer. Of course there are slices of mozzarella and cheese does have higher fat content. Remember to enjoy in moderation!
what is balsamic glaze?
Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar. It has a thick syrupy texture similar to maple syrup and is a little sweeter than regular balsamic vinegar. It takes less than 15 minutes to makes this Homemade Balsamic Glaze recipe. If you are short on time, you can buy a store bought version. However, I think that once you try this recipe, you will never buy the store bought glaze again!
If you try this recipe for Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bluesbestlife on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day.
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Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2-4 sliced tomatoes, depending on the size
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, sliced
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Allow mozzarella to come to room temperature. If making glaze give an extra 15 minutes cook time plus time for it to cool.
- Lay mozzarella slices on a plate.
- Slice tomato with serrated knife. Layer on top of cheese slice.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh basil.
- Serve salad right away. If making ahead wait to add basil, olive oil and balsamic.
Nutrition
Related Posts:
Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Gina says
Caprese salads are always so good. I love the recipe for the homemade balsamic glaze.
Patrice says
This is such a beautiful salad. Simple but elegant. I love anything with fresh basil!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
This was my go to, last summer, as a way to use all our garden tomatoes. Such a delicious and fresh salad!