Refreshing Tomato Caprese: An Effortless Italian Delight
The Perfect Appetizer for Guests: Simple and Elegant Tomato Caprese
When you’ve had your fill of rich, heavy foods and crave something bright and fresh, look no further than Tomato Caprese! It’s an ideal dish for #GuestEntertaining, #HomeParties, or even a delightful #Brunch. Even when enjoyed solo for brunch, this seemingly simple salad offers a flavor profile far more sophisticated than its preparation suggests. Get ready for a taste of Italian sunshine!
Salad Ingredients- 2 ripe, firm tomatoes
- 1/2 ball fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 onion
- A small handful of mixed greens or baby basil leaves
Tangy Balsamic Dressing- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey (or sugar, or agave nectar)
- A pinch of salt (about 2 small pinches)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey (or sugar, or agave nectar)
- A pinch of salt (about 2 small pinches)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese to match the size of your tomatoes. Typically, one to two slices of mozzarella per tomato look visually appealing. If fresh basil leaves are unavailable, baby greens or baby basil can be used as a lovely substitute, adding a similar freshness and visual appeal.
Step 2
Finely mince the onion. This ensures a pleasant texture in the salad and allows its subtle sweetness and aroma to meld beautifully with the dressing.
Step 3
Cut the tomatoes into pieces roughly the same size as the mozzarella. Slicing the tomatoes horizontally across their width can create a more aesthetically pleasing presentation. And that’s it for the preparation! You’re ready to assemble. Arrange the ingredients artfully on a plate. It’s incredibly simple, yet the resulting taste is anything but ordinary!
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the dressing that brings this salad to life! In a small bowl or container, combine the finely minced onion. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for richness and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for that signature tangy flavor.
Step 5
For a touch of sweetness, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. If you don’t have honey, feel free to use sugar or agave nectar. Finally, add a pinch of salt (about two small pinches) to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Step 6
Set the dressing aside for a moment and let’s focus on plating. Arrange the sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pieces around the edge of your serving plate, alternating them for a beautiful, colorful display.
Step 7
Spoon some of the prepared balsamic dressing into the center of the plate, or serve it on the side. Garnish with the small mixed greens or baby basil leaves, placing them strategically for an elegant, restaurant-quality finish. For an extra touch of visual appeal and intensified flavor, you can drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top.
Step 8
Behold! The delicious Tomato Caprese is ready. The creamy, mild mozzarella cheese and the juicy, fresh tomatoes come together in perfect harmony, creating a delightful culinary experience that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Step 9
This Tomato Caprese has been a huge hit whenever I’ve made it for guests! My neighbors absolutely loved it when I shared it with them, which made me so happy!
