A Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is perfect for a quick 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 Makes This Caprese Salad With Balsamic Glaze The Best!
A fresh Caprese salad is so versatile! This simple Italian salad works as a main course, side dish or the perfect appetizer. This is a wonderful summer dish to make when the best tomatoes are in the farmer's market.
I love mozzarella salad because it is made with fresh ingredients. The sweet basil and tangy homemade balsamic glaze recipe are the perfect pairing!
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 leaves, 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!
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!
Key Ingredients
mozzarella- use fresh mozzarella slices, 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 fresh tomatoes can work! Try cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or any ripe tomatoes available at the grocery store.
olive oil- use a high quality extra-virgin olive oil variety for the best flavor. 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.
Step-By-Step Instructions
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.
Heat a small saucepan over medium high heat and add balsamic vinegar. As the balsamic begins to simmer it will reduce into a thick glaze. This process takes about 15 minutes but will depend on the quality of your balsamic.
While you are making the balsamic reduction recipe bring the fresh mozzarella out of the refrigerator, to sit out for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
I always cut my tomatoes using a serrated knife. A regular chef's knife, unless it's very sharp knife will smash your tomato. The serrated edge will easily cut through the skin of your tomato leaving perfect thick slices. With this simply salad, presentation is everything!
Serving Suggestions
Once you have made the glaze and sliced your tomatoes, it is time to plate the salad. First arrange the creamy mozzarella on a serving platter. Top each cheese slice with a tomato. Add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze to the top of the salad. Then sprinkle with salt, pepper and basil leaves. While this is a simple salad it is a beautiful presentation!
This tasty salad does not need a lot of extras. You can serve it with a piece of crusty bread and a glass of wine!
Are Caprese Salads 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!
Storage Recommendations
If you have any leftover Caprese salad it is best to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the balsamic tends to run it may not look as pretty but will still taste good the next day. Any longer than that and the tomatoes will begin to get a little soggy.
Looking For Other Salad Recipes? Try These!
Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad With Balsamic
Healthy Strawberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad with Balsamic
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
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 *see notes
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
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Gina
Caprese salads are always so good. I love the recipe for the homemade balsamic glaze.
Patrice
This is such a beautiful salad. Simple but elegant. I love anything with fresh basil!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
This was my go to, last summer, as a way to use all our garden tomatoes. Such a delicious and fresh salad!