Caprese Salad

For that fresh yet flavorful lunch or dinner, trust me—Caprese Salad is your new best friend. With simple ingredients like tomato, mozzarella, and basil, this Italian classic is the perfect choice for light meals, brunch with friends, or relaxed patio dinners. So, let’s make it happen!

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Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe tomatoes (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic glaze (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

What You'll Need:

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large plate or serving platter

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Instructions:

1. Slice the ingredients: Start by washing the tomatoes under cold running water and patting them dry with a kitchen towel. Then, using a sharp knife—carefully!—slice them into rounds about half a centimeter thick. Do the same with the mozzarella, making sure the slices are a similar thickness to the tomato slices for a balanced look and bite.
2. Assemble the salad: Now, on a large plate or pretty serving tray, start layering the salad by placing one slice of tomato, followed by a slice of mozzarella, and then a fresh basil leaf. Keep repeating this pattern to create a row or circle, depending on the shape of your plate. The idea is to make the ingredients look woven together—almost like they’re hugging each other.

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3. Add the oil and glaze: Once the salad is assembled, slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the top. If you're using balsamic glaze, drizzle it in thin ribbons—just enough to highlight the ingredients without covering them. That sweet-tangy flavor really elevates it.
4. Season to taste: Almost done! Right before serving, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. A pinch of flaky sea salt really brings out the flavor of the tomatoes and cheese, and the black pepper adds a nice little kick.
5. Serve and enjoy: That’s it! Easy and quick, right? Serve your Caprese Salad immediately so all the ingredients stay fresh, colorful, and vibrant. The magic of this dish is in its simplicity, freshness, and that perfect contrast of creamy, juicy, and aromatic flavors.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Cheese: If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, try using burrata or even fresh panela cheese.
• Tomatoes: Instead of large tomatoes, you can also use halved cherry tomatoes.
• Balsamic glaze: No glaze? No problem—just simmer some balsamic vinegar with a little honey or brown sugar until it thickens.
• Herbs: Baby spinach leaves work great if you don’t have basil on hand.
• Oil: Avocado oil is a solid substitute if you’re out of extra virgin olive oil.

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Prep Tips

• Firm tomatoes: It’s always better to use ripe but firm tomatoes so they hold their shape when sliced.
• Dry the mozzarella: If your cheese is packed in water, blot it dry with a paper towel to avoid a watery salad.
• Assemble right before serving: Build your salad just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
• Flaky salt: Want that gourmet finish? A pinch of sea salt flakes takes it up a notch.
• Let it rest: If you can, let the salad sit for about 5 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together better.

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 11 g
• Healthy Fats: 17 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Natural Sugars: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 240 mg

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Nutritional Benefits:

This salad is not only delicious—it’s also incredibly healthy. It's a fantastic source of antioxidants and good fats. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and helps protect your skin. Mozzarella brings in protein and calcium, which are essential for your muscles and bones. Plus, extra virgin olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and fresh basil offers anti-inflammatory compounds and a refreshing herbal touch that ties everything together beautifully. Fresh, simple, and nourishing!

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: You can store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days without any issues.
• Don’t reheat: Better not to—heat changes the texture of the cheese and tomato, and it gets kinda weird.
• Creative reuse: You can always chop up the leftovers and toss them onto toast or into a sandwich the next day. So good!

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History or Inspiration

Caprese Salad comes from the island of Capri, Italy. Its simple, elegant design not only highlights classic Mediterranean flavors—it also mirrors the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). It’s a dish that celebrates summer, freshness, and food made with love.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with rustic bread or a lightly toasted baguette rubbed with garlic.
• A small bowl of chilled cucumber soup or gazpacho makes a great side.
• Grilled chicken breast or roasted salmon turns it into a complete meal.
• For a drink, try a basil lemonade or sparkling water with cucumber slices—super refreshing and healthy.
• And for dessert? How about strawberries with a little whipped cream or a mini tiramisu?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  Totally! It’s best to assemble it right before serving, but you can slice the ingredients ahead and keep them chilled.
• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
  Absolutely—everything here is plant-based or dairy, so it fits a vegetarian diet perfectly.

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• What kind of tomatoes work best?
  Ripe heirloom or roma tomatoes are perfect. They’re sweet, juicy, and hold up well.
• Can I freeze it?
  Better not. Caprese salad doesn’t freeze well—the texture of the cheese and tomato just doesn’t hold up.
• How can I make it lighter?
  Easy! Use a bit less cheese and toss in some leafy greens like arugula or spinach.

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Recipe Variations

• Caprese with avocado: For an even more delicious twist, add slices of ripe avocado for extra creaminess and nutrients.
• Warm Caprese: Oh yes, so good! Lightly broil the mozzarella over the tomatoes for a cozy, melty version.

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• Skewered Caprese: This one’s fun! Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto skewers for a cute and easy presentation.
• Caprese with pesto: I love pesto! Swap the olive oil for a drizzle of homemade pesto for a deeper, herbaceous flavor.
• Tropical Caprese: Craving summer vibes? Add thin slices of mango or peach for a sweet, fruity twist.

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So, now that you know how to make a real Caprese Salad, go ahead and give it a try—for yourself, your family, or your friends. You probably noticed it’s a quick, simple, and versatile recipe, yet always full of flavor. It might just become one of your go-to favorites for any kind of day—sunny or cloudy. Happy cooking!

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