Comprising of just a few simple ingredients – tomato, mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, Caprese Salad, or Caprese Insalata (salad of Capri) is a classic, flavorful go-to salad for busy cooks and a wonderfully simple side for summer meals.
However, with such few ingredients, quality counts! Use the freshest basil, mozzarella and plump, ripened tomatoes you can find, and splurge on a good quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar for drizzling.
Ingredients:
- 4 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- Fresh basil leaves, about one bunch
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
- fine sea salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Alternate and overlap the tomato slices, mozzarella cheese slices, and basil leaves on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with sea salt and pepper, to taste.
Other simple summer sides you may enjoy:
Watermelon & Arugula Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Easy Potato Salad
