Easy Caprese Salad Recipe
Overview:
Looking for a great side dish to serve with pasta? This Easy Caprese Salad is the perfect choice! It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and complements other Italian dishes like crusty Italian bread or a glass of Pinot Grigio. With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
- Cuisine: European
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: Not applicable
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Recipe Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: European, < 15 Mins, No Cook, Easy
- Aggregated Rating: 5 (from 11 reviews)
- Calories: 307.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 26.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 44.9mg
- Sodium Content: 488.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.1g
- Fiber Content: 1.3g
- Sugar Content: 3g
- Protein Content: 13.6g
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | On a large platter, arrange tomato slices and mozzarella slices, alternating them to create an appealing pattern. |
| 2 | Sprinkle the basil leaves and capers evenly over the tomato and mozzarella slices. |
| 3 | Season the salad with kosher salt, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. |
| 4 | Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad, adding a luxurious richness to the dish. |
| 5 | Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of this Easy Caprese Salad! |
Notes:
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use a variety of tomato types, such as Roma, beefsteak, or cherry tomatoes, depending on your preference.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella cheese for its creamy texture and mild flavor. You can find it in the dairy section of most supermarkets.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant, aromatic note to the salad. If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can use dried basil, but fresh is preferred for its vibrant flavor.
- Capers: These little bursts of briny flavor add a delightful tanginess to the salad. Rinse the capers before using them to remove any excess salt.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. The olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps to bring all the ingredients together.
- Salt: Kosher salt works well for seasoning this salad. Its larger flakes adhere better to the ingredients and provide a more balanced flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Easy Caprese Salad as a side dish alongside pasta dishes like spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Pair it with crusty Italian bread and a glass of Pinot Grigio for a complete Italian meal experience.
- Enjoy it as a light lunch or snack on its own, especially during the hot summer months when fresh tomatoes are at their peak.
Dietary Considerations:
- This Caprese Salad is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
- It’s low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake.
- With its combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, it’s a nutritious choice packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Conclusion:
This Easy Caprese Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a stunning salad that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to entertaining guests. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, this Caprese Salad is sure to impress with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.
