Fresh & Vibrant Tomato Caprese Salad
Simple yet Elegant Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe: Featuring Fresh Tomatoes, Creamy Fresh Mozzarella, Aromatic Basil, and a Flavorful Balsamic Dressing
Discover the delightful freshness of a homemade Tomato Caprese Salad, elevated with generous amounts of homegrown basil for an extra zesty and vibrant flavor. Among the many salad varieties, the combination of tomatoes, cheese, and basil leaves offers a uniquely refreshing taste that’s always satisfying. Using plenty of creamy fresh mozzarella cheese truly enhances the overall flavor profile. While incredibly easy to assemble, this salad boasts a sophisticated taste, making it a perfect appetizer for wine enthusiasts or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. Create a zesty and savory salad experience with this Caprese recipe, utilizing your own homegrown arugula and basil!
Salad Ingredients- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 200g fresh mozzarella cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves (approx. 10-15 leaves)
- A handful of baby arugula
Flavorful Balsamic Dressing- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 0.7 Tbsp lemon juice (approx. 10ml)
- 2 pinches of fresh salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 0.7 Tbsp lemon juice (approx. 10ml)
- 2 pinches of fresh salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by gently rinsing the fresh basil leaves under running water. Pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel, ensuring no excess moisture remains. Trim the stems from the tomatoes, wash them clean, and pat them dry. Slice the tomatoes into rounds about 1cm thick, ensuring they are bite-sized. (Two tomatoes were used as they were on the smaller side.) Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese to a similar thickness as the tomato slices. If your mixing bowl is small, you can slice the cheese later.
Step 2
In a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of finely minced onion. Pour in 0.7 tablespoons (approximately 10ml) of lemon juice for a refreshing zest, followed by 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Whisk all these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3
Now, slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to enrich the salad’s flavor. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or agave syrup for a touch of sweetness and smooth consistency. Sprinkle in 2 pinches of fresh salt to season, and adjust the saltiness according to your personal preference.
Step 4
Finally, add a grind of black pepper to enhance the taste. Your delicious balsamic dressing for the tomato salad is ready! Stir everything together to ensure the flavors meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, vinegar, or olive oil to achieve your desired flavor balance.
Step 5
Arrange the fresh basil leaves on the bottom of your serving plate or platter. Artfully layer the sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese, alternating them for a beautiful presentation. Scatter the baby arugula around the edges of the plate to add color and texture.
Step 6
While you can drizzle the dressing over the salad immediately after plating, it’s best to add it just before serving or allow individuals to dress their own salads. This ensures the ingredients remain fresh and vibrant, maximizing their natural flavors and textures.
Step 7
It’s a joy to be able to enjoy salads in such variety, especially with homegrown basil! Tomato Caprese, with its perfect harmony of tomatoes, cheese, and basil, is a personal favorite that I love to make often, though the price of fresh tomatoes can sometimes be a consideration. Nevertheless, this Caprese salad is an excellent choice for guests or as a wine pairing – visually appealing and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a wonderful tomato and basil dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 8
You can gently spoon the balsamic dressing over the Caprese salad, or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors, adjusting the amount of dressing to your liking.
