Caprese salad, a classic Italian dish, is a symphony of flavors and textures that showcases the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients. This refreshing and colorful salad features ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves, drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
In this article, we'll explore two variations of this beloved salad: a classic Caprese salad with a simple balsamic dressing and a more elaborate version featuring a balsamic reduction that adds a rich, complex flavor. We'll also provide a recipe for homemade balsamic reduction, a versatile condiment that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer or a light and flavorful main course, these Caprese salad recipes are sure to satisfy.
CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION
Fresh ripe tomatoes are lightly salted with pink sea salt, topped with fresh sliced mozzarella and fresh basil and a sweet balsamic reduction.
Provided by Nicole Johnson
Categories Appetizers
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place the balsamic vinegar and the dark brown sugar in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until reduced by half.
- Once the reduction has reduced, remove from the stove and let cool.
- Lay the tomatoes out onto a plate or two, and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Top with fresh mozzarella slices and basil leave.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the whole thing, let rest for a few minutes, and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 182 calories, Carbohydrate 12 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 34 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 10 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 10 grams protein, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 379 grams sodium, Sugar 10 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams unsaturated fat
CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION
Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction and olive oil. Easy, impressive and delicious! Most grocery stores now sell prepared balsamic reductions. Surprisingly it's just as good!
Provided by stefychefy
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Stir balsamic vinegar and honey together in a small saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the vinegar mixture has reduced to 1/3 cup, about 10 minutes. Set the balsamic reduction aside to cool.
- Arrange alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese decoratively on a serving platter. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, spread fresh basil leaves over the salad, and drizzle with olive oil and the balsamic reduction.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 580.1 calories, Carbohydrate 34.8 g, Cholesterol 89.3 mg, Fat 38.8 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 18.2 g, Sodium 330.9 mg, Sugar 32.4 g
CAPRESE SALAD
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 1h
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Measure the balsamic vinegar and pour into a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over a low heat. Cook it until the balsamic vinegar has reduced to a nice thick glaze (but still pourable), about 15 minutes. Oh and one other thing, your house will stink. But it's a good kind of stink, it's a vinegary stink. Allow the reduction to cool to room temperature before you serve it.
- When you are ready to assemble the salad, cut the tomatoes into thick slices. Arrange them on a platter, alternating them with the mozzarella slices. Tuck the whole basil leaves in between the tomato and cheese slices.
- Drizzle on the gorgeous, almost black balsamic reduction. Then drizzle olive oil in a thin stream over the top. Finally, sprinkle on salt and pepper.
- You need this in your life. Make it today my friends.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calorie, Fat 17 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 35 milligrams, Sodium 167 milligrams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fiber 0.5 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 11 grams
CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION
Make and share this Caprese Salad With Balsamic Reduction recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Jen in Victoria
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 35m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- For the balsamic reduction: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let simmer, swirling the pan occasionally, until reduced to about half of the original amount (about 20 minutes.) Watch it carefully. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Meanwhile, assemble the salad by layering the tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
- Lightly drizzle the olive oil and balsamic reduction over the salad and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 325.7, Fat 19.4, SaturatedFat 11.3, Cholesterol 67.3, Sodium 553.1, Carbohydrate 16.2, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 12, Protein 20.7
CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction is a classic Italian dish with mozzarella, tomato, and basil all topped in a homemade sweet and tangy dressing.
Provided by Sabrina Snyder
Categories Salad
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Add balsamic vinegar and honey to a saucepan and bring to a simmer on high heat.
- Lower the heat to low and cook for exactly 10 minutes.
- Let the vinegar cool.
- Add tomato slices and mozzarella slices in alternating order and season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomato and mozzarella then gently pour over the cooled balsamic reduction.
- Sprinkle the basil over the top and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 1 mg, Sodium 314 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 16 g, ServingSize 1 serving
Tips:
- For the freshest Caprese salad, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
- If you don't have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can substitute white vinegar or lemon juice.
- To make the balsamic reduction, simmer the balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it has reduced by half and thickened.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but be sure to use less as it has a more concentrated flavor.
- Caprese salad is a great appetizer or side dish for any meal.
Conclusion:
Caprese salad is a simple yet delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh, zesty flavors, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy recipe, give Caprese salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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