Italian Flag Salad (Caprese) Recipe
This elegant Italian Flag Salad, also known as Caprese Salad, is a delightful twist on the classic version, replacing fresh basil with a rich and flavorful pesto sauce. This quick and easy recipe allows the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine, making it perfect for any gathering or as a light, refreshing appetizer. With its combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and savory pesto, this dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roma tomatoes | 4 |
| Fresh mozzarella balls | 2 |
| Pesto sauce | 1 |
| Olive oil | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 181.6 |
| Total Fat | 12.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 44.9 mg |
| Sodium | 359.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 2.2 g |
| Protein | 13.1 g |
Instructions
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Choose the Right Platter: Begin by selecting a beautiful white platter to serve your salad, as this will highlight the vibrant colors of the ingredients and make for an appealing presentation.
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by washing and thoroughly drying the roma tomatoes to ensure they are clean and ready to slice.
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Slice the Tomatoes: Remove the stem from each tomato, and slice them lengthwise into pieces that are approximately 1/2 inch thick. Aim for even slices to create a visually appealing arrangement.
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Arrange the Slices: Take the sliced tomatoes and arrange them decoratively on the white platter. The goal is to create a beautiful display that showcases the vibrant red of the tomatoes.
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Season the Tomatoes: Drizzle just a small amount of olive oil over the arranged tomato slices, allowing the rich flavor to enhance the overall taste. Next, sprinkle lightly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor.
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Prepare the Mozzarella: Cut the fresh mozzarella into slices that are about 1/3 inch thick. Depending on the size of the mozzarella balls, you may want to slice them thinner or thicker.
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Add Mozzarella to the Platter: Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each tomato slice. The goal is for the white cheese to cover the tomato slightly while allowing the red of the tomato to peek through.
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Top with Pesto: Using a small spoon, dot each mozzarella slice with approximately 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of pesto. The pesto adds a wonderful garlicky, nutty flavor that complements the freshness of the tomatoes and creaminess of the mozzarella.
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Serve: Your Italian Flag Salad is now complete and ready to serve! This dish pairs wonderfully with a generous serving of crusty bread, which can be used to scoop up the flavorful layers of tomato, mozzarella, and pesto.
This Italian Flag Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for the taste buds. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish that captures the essence of Italian flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing addition to any meal.
Keywords
Vegetable, < 15 Mins, Easy
Summary
This Italian Flag Salad (Caprese) combines the juicy sweetness of roma tomatoes, the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, and the richness of pesto sauce for an exquisite flavor experience. It is a simple, elegant, and healthy dish perfect for any occasion.
