Best 4 Smiling Caprese Salad Recipes

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**Smiling Caprese Salad: A Refreshing and Colorful Summer Treat**

In the realm of summer salads, the Smiling Caprese Salad stands out as a vibrant and delectable dish that is bursting with flavor and aesthetic charm. This classic Italian salad combines the perfect balance of fresh, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves, creating a symphony of flavors that delights the palate. Its eye-catching presentation, featuring tomato slices artfully arranged to resemble a smiling face, adds a touch of whimsy and fun to any gathering. With variations ranging from the classic Caprese to unique takes that incorporate grilled peaches, avocado, or a balsamic glaze, this versatile salad offers endless opportunities for culinary exploration. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a delightful side dish, the Smiling Caprese Salad is sure to leave a lasting impression.

**Recipes Included in the Article:**

1. **Classic Smiling Caprese Salad:** This recipe presents the traditional Caprese salad in all its simplistic glory. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves are arranged in a visually appealing manner, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with salt and pepper.

2. **Grilled Peach and Burrata Caprese:** This variation adds a delightful twist to the classic Caprese by incorporating grilled peaches, creamy burrata cheese, and a balsamic reduction. The sweetness of the peaches pairs perfectly with the tangy balsamic glaze, while the burrata cheese adds a rich and luxurious texture.

3. **Avocado Caprese Salad with Quinoa:** This recipe combines the flavors of Caprese with the goodness of quinoa, avocado, and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing. The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats. The lemon-tahini dressing brings a vibrant and tangy flavor to the dish.

4. **Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze:** This fun and portable version of Caprese features cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves skewered together and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. It's a perfect appetizer or snack for parties and gatherings.

5. **Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad:** This recipe elevates the classic Caprese by roasting the tomatoes, intensifying their natural sweetness and adding a smoky flavor. The roasted tomatoes are then combined with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette, creating a flavorful and visually stunning salad.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

TAMI'S TRI COLOR CAPRESE SALAD



Tami's Tri Color Caprese Salad image

Yellow and red tomatoes along with leafy fresh basil make this salad bright and eye-catching. The taste is fresh and the preparation is easy.

Provided by Tami Jones

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 large yellow tomatoes, sliced
1 (4 ounce) package fresh basil, leaves stripped from stems
3 large red tomatoes, sliced
10 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 shallot, very thinly shaved
2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
1 ½ tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Arrange alternate slices of yellow tomato, whole basil leaves, slices of red tomato, and mozzarella cheese slices on a serving platter in rows; sprinkle with shaved shallot. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad; season with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.8 calories, Carbohydrate 10.7 g, Cholesterol 37.1 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 10.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 79.5 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

THE BEST CAPRESE SALAD



The Best Caprese Salad image

This classic Italian caprese salad is quintessential summer fare. Serve with a chilled white wine and enjoy in the sunshine or on a balmy summer evening!

Provided by ChefJackie

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced, or to taste
1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
½ cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving plate, alternating between them. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Cholesterol 72.6 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 748.4 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

SMILING CAPRESE SALAD



Smiling Caprese Salad image

This no doubt is the easiest Caprese salad I have ever made, and it will make your guest smile! It screams delicious, plus you can make ahead of time which is something we all want more of. When making, you can also add all ingredients to a large resealable plastic bag. Mix and then pour into your serving bowls/glasses. Serve in a fun type of tall stem glass like a martini glass with some crostini on the side.

Provided by Cajun Girl

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

6 tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6 leaves fresh basil, cut into slivers
½ pound mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size cubes
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Stir tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and basil together in a large salad bowl; gently fold in mozzarella cheese ; season with salt and black pepper. Chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.2 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 23.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 363.9 mg, Sugar 7.3 g

CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION



Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction image

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

1 cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup honey
3 large tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

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

Tips:

  • Prep the ingredients beforehand: To save time and ensure everything is ready when you're assembling the salad, wash and cut the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil ahead of time.
  • Use fresh, ripe ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the overall taste of the salad. Choose tomatoes that are bright red and juicy, mozzarella that is soft and creamy, and basil that is fragrant and green.
  • Don't overcrowd the skewers: When assembling the skewers, make sure to leave enough space between each piece of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. This will allow the flavors to meld together and prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.
  • Drizzle with a flavorful dressing: A simple dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper is all you need to enhance the flavors of the salad. You can also add a touch of honey or herbs for extra flavor.
  • Serve immediately: Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh. Once assembled, serve it immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Conclusion:

Smiling Caprese Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and simple preparation, it's sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer, a side salad, or a light main course, this salad is sure to put a smile on your face. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy the deliciousness of this classic Italian dish.

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