Best 6 Traditional Caprese Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Caprese salad, a classic Italian dish, is a beautiful and refreshing combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and sweet basil. Originating from the island of Capri in southern Italy, this simple yet flavorful salad is a celebration of the region's finest ingredients. Now, let's dive into three delicious variations of this timeless recipe, each offering a unique twist on the traditional Caprese.

1. **Traditional Caprese Salad:**

Rediscover the original charm of Caprese salad with this classic recipe. Using the freshest, ripest tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, you'll create a delightful symphony of flavors. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt will elevate this salad to perfection.

2. **Caprese Salad with Grilled Peaches:**

Introduce a sweet and smoky twist to the traditional Caprese with grilled peaches. The natural sweetness of the peaches complements the tangy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella beautifully. The grill marks add a smoky depth, creating a delightful interplay of flavors.

3. **Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze:**

Experience a taste of sophistication with Caprese salad adorned with a rich balsamic glaze. The reduction of balsamic vinegar creates a sweet and tangy glaze that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Drizzle the glaze over the salad for an elegant presentation and a burst of flavor in every bite.

From the classic simplicity of the original Caprese to the innovative flavors of grilled peaches and balsamic glaze, these recipes showcase the versatility of this timeless dish. Each variation offers a unique journey for your taste buds, celebrating the essence of Italian cuisine.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CAPRESE SALAD



Classic Caprese Salad image

This classic summer dish doesn't get any simpler or more delicious. Use different-colored heirloom tomatoes for the prettiest salad, and buffalo milk mozzarella for the best tasting one.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     brunch, easy, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound fresh, best-quality mozzarella (preferably buffalo milk)
4 medium heirloom tomatoes
1 bunch fresh basil, leaves only, some reserved for garnish
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
Coarsely ground black pepper
High-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • While mozzarella is cold, slice it into 1/4-inch slices. Let it sit, loosely covered, to come to room temperature while you prepare the tomatoes.
  • Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices, leaving them in a single layer on the cutting board as you go. Sprinkle generously with salt.
  • On a serving platter, arrange the mozzarella, tomato slices, and whole basil leaves so they overlap slightly. Pour any tomato juices from the cutting board over the dish. Sprinkle again with salt and pepper, and drizzle with plenty of oil. Top with reserved basil, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 262, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 478 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

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

CAPRESE SALAD



Caprese Salad image

For something fresh and Italian, make Rachael Ray's Caprese Salad recipe from 30 Minute Meals on Food Network; it's filled with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices
1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices
20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Coarse salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

CAPRESE SALAD



Caprese Salad image

This light, fresh salad is made with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. It is the perfect quick and easy accompaniment to any summer meal.

Provided by Summer Rose

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 (10 ounce) basket cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons torn fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Toss together the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.2 calories, Carbohydrate 4.9 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 357.5 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

SIMPLE CAPRESE SALAD



Simple Caprese Salad image

Traditional appetizer, but also makes a great main dish on a hot summer day. Feel free to add cooked eggplant and/or zucchini slices to this dish to make it heartier.

Provided by stronglive1

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes     Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
16 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
16 thick slices ripe slicing tomato
32 leaves fresh basil
olive oil
1 pinch ground black pepper to taste
1 (4 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Steps:

  • Cut roasted red peppers into 16 large pieces. Starting at the edge of a serving platter, place a slice of tomato, a basil leaf, a slice of mozzarella cheese, a piece of roasted pepper, and another basil leaf. Continue in that pattern, forming a spiral from the outside in, until all the ingredients have been arranged; salad should end in the center of the platter. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper and black olives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310.5 calories, Carbohydrate 9.1 g, Cholesterol 59.4 mg, Fat 23.2 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 15.2 g, SaturatedFat 11.8 g, Sodium 478.8 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

TRADITIONAL CAPRESE SALAD



Traditional Caprese Salad image

Caprese salad is a great main dish (lunch) or appetizer for a summer dinner. It goes best with a white wine, and is amazing when preceding a light pasta dish. When using as a main dish for lunch, double up the portions. This is a recipe that has been handed down through the generations in my family as long as anyone can remember. My grandmother (peacefully rest her soul) recalled learning this recipe from her grandmother. She also told stories of her grandmother recalling learning it from her grandmother. This is a truly old-world Italian version of this recipe. Many of the versions that people know have been Americanized or have been updated in some way. As best I can tell, this recipe is about as traditional as it gets.

Provided by Obsidian468

Categories     Cheese

Time 5m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tomatoes, vine ripened, and grown in earth, not hydroponically, tomatoes from your garden are best. If you can
1/2 lb greek market. it is often sold skinless in water or 1/2 lb skinned also in water. it should jiggle when you handle it. the mozzarella should be slightly larger tomatoes
2 ounces basil leaves, fresh. The basil should be either homegrown or 2 ounces organic. no hydroponically grown basil. for the best flavor the basil needs to be soil-grown. if you basil
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (or to taste)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Slice tomatoes and mozzarella cheese to 1/4" thick slices.
  • Place tomatoes and mozzarella alternately in a pattern around the perimeter of a small serving dish. Alternatively, for single serving dishes, place the mozzarella slices on top of the tomato slices, arranging for 8 servings (arrange for four servings, if using it as a main dish).
  • Sprinkle the the salad sparsely with the olive oil.
  • Sprinkle the salad lightly (or to taste) with the salt and ground black pepper.
  • Place whole (or torn) basil leaves on top of the tomatoes and mozzarella, using pieces that roughly match the size of the tomato and mozzarella slices.
  • Serve immediately.
  • Note: do NOT allow the tomatoes and mozzarella sit in the oil for more than a short few minutes. The oil will just soak into the tomato and mozzarella and ruin the flavor. The oil is intended to be a garnish, and not a primary flavor in the dish.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • If you can't find fresh mozzarella, you can substitute a firm, mild-flavored cheese such as provolone or cheddar.
  • To make the dressing, use a good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also add a touch of garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • If you don't have time to make the dressing, you can use a store-bought Italian dressing. Just be sure to choose one that is flavorful and not too sweet.
  • To assemble the salad, start with a layer of basil leaves. Then, top with the tomatoes, mozzarella, and dressing. You can also add some extra basil leaves on top.
  • Caprese salad is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It's also a great way to use up leftover tomatoes and mozzarella.

Conclusion:

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh, flavorful ingredients and easy-to-make dressing, it's a surefire hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy salad to make, give Caprese a try. You won't be disappointed!

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #weeknight     #15-minutes-or-less     #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #cuisine     #preparation     #occasion     #salads     #eggs-dairy     #vegetables     #easy     #european     #vegetarian     #cheese     #dietary     #high-calcium     #low-carb     #high-in-something     #low-in-something     #tomatoes     #presentation     #served-cold

Related Topics