Description
Elegant, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavor, this Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction is a 5-ingredient showstopper that’s as stunning as it is simple.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using) to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrup-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even ¼-inch slices. Wash and dry the basil leaves.
- On a large platter or individual plates, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, slightly overlapping. Tuck a basil leaf between each layer.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the salad in a zigzag pattern. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for best flavor. Make the balsamic reduction ahead and store separately until ready to serve. Add avocado or grilled peaches for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
Keywords: caprese, salad, mozzarella, tomato, basil, balsamic, summer