Insalata Caprese

Insalata Caprese is a simple, fast and delicious dish! It is a quick and easy appetizer because it only has 6 ingredients. A great summer salad to make with garden fresh tomatoes and basil. So let’s start!

Recipe Origin-Why is it called Insalata Caprese?

This salad is called Insalata Caprese or Caprese salad because it is believed to have originated in Capri in the 1920s by a mason. (Source) The colors of the main ingredients (tomato, basil and mozzarella) are representative of the Italian flag.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s simple to make
2. You only need a few ingredients
3. No cooking is involved

How To Make This Recipe

What is in a Caprese Salad?

A Caprese salad recipe has very few ingredients.

1. Fresh Mozzarella Ball (170 grams),
2. Large Tomato (175 grams),
3. Fresh Basil (5-6 large leaves),
4. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 teaspoons),
5. Fine Ground Sea Salt (1/8 teaspoon), and
6. Freshly Ground Black Pepper (approximately 1/8 teaspoon).

Caprese Cheese

Caprese salad is traditionally made with fresh Buffalo mozzarella. Buffalo mozzarella may not always be easy to find so substituting with a cow’s milk fresh mozzarella is an option.

Best Tomato for Caprese

You will want to use a large tomato so that when you slice it, you will get slices that are about the same size as the mozzarella ball. If you want to make this salad a little more interesting, you could use heirloom tomato and make an heirloom tomato Caprese salad.

Basil

This fresh mozzarella and tomato salad wouldn’t be complete without some fresh basil. So add some fresh basil leaves! The sweetness of the basil pairs nicely with the mozzarella and tomato and brings a lovely sweetness to the dish.

Caprese Salad Dressing

The dressing is so simple! With only extra virgin olive oil, you want to make sure you use a good quality oil. Then to season, sprinkle on some sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper and enjoy.

Tools

To prepare this recipe, you will need:

-A Paring Knife,

-1/8 Teaspoon,

-A cutting board (approximately 6 inches x 9 inches), and

-A round serving plate .

Step-by-Step Instructions

First using a cutting board and a paring knife, slice the tomato in thick slices (approximately 1/4 inch thick). Then slice the mozzarella ball into thick slices (approximately 1/4 inch thick) too. Next using either the cutting board or a serving plate, layer the tomato and cheese slices alternating between the two.

Now insert a piece of basil for every pair of cheese and tomato slice. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil. Finally season with the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

FAQS

What other Caprese dressing ideas could you use for a Caprese salad appetizer?

Other Caprese dressing ideas include a balsamic vinaigrette, a balsamic glaze or a Caprese salad with a pesto sauce.

Are there other variations to the traditional Caprese Salad?

Yes, there are so many variations. A few ideas include:

-Caprese Salad Kabobs

-Mini Caprese Skewers

-Cherry Tomato Caprese

-White Bean Caprese Salad

-Peach Caprese

Related Recipes

Caprese Bites

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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