Imagine a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors dancing on your palate - that's the magic of this classic Italian Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes! Whether you're looking for a quick appetizer, a light lunch, or a stunning side dish, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. With just a handful of premium ingredients and no cooking required, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks as stunning as it tastes. Get ready to impress your guests and treat yourself to a slice of Mediterranean heaven!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Carefully slice the cherry tomatoes in half using a sharp knife, ensuring even and clean cuts.
- Cut the fresh mozzarella into small, uniform cubes approximately the same size as the halved cherry tomatoes for consistent presentation.
- Gently rinse the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. Tear or chop the leaves into smaller pieces to release their aromatic oils.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cubes.
- Add the torn basil leaves to the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
- Sprinkle a small amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients to enhance their natural flavors.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly across the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Gently toss the ingredients to distribute the balsamic glaze and seasonings without breaking the tomatoes or mozzarella.
- For best flavor, let the salad rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the ingredients to meld together.
- Serve immediately in a decorative serving dish, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The secret to an exceptional Caprese salad lies in using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Select ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes and authentic fresh mozzarella.
- Room Temperature Magic: Allow your mozzarella and tomatoes to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before preparing. This helps enhance their natural flavors and ensures optimal taste.
- Balsamic Glaze Technique: Drizzle the balsamic glaze sparingly and evenly. A light touch is key to complementing, not overpowering, the delicate flavors of tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Basil Handling: Tear basil leaves by hand instead of chopping with a knife to prevent bruising and preserve their vibrant green color and aromatic oils.
- Serving Suggestion: For the most appealing presentation, use a white or clear serving dish to showcase the beautiful colors of the salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
