Classic Caprese Salad with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
This recipe shows you how to make a classic Caprese Salad using fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, finished with a simple homemade balsamic glaze. It is a quick, refreshing Italian salad perfect for summer meals.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella or fresh mozzarella balls)
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, for glaze)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the balsamic glaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add the sugar, if using. Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon (about 10 to 15 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool; it will thicken as it cools.
- Prepare the tomatoes and mozzarella: Slice the tomatoes into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. If using a large ball of mozzarella, slice it to a similar thickness. If using mozzarella pearls, drain them well.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
- Season the salad: Drizzle the entire platter evenly with the extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the cooled homemade balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. This simple Italian food is best served immediately.
Notes
- For a more vibrant presentation, use cherry or grape tomatoes and mozzarella pearls, arranging them on skewers for an appetizer presentation.
- If you are short on time, you can use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making your own.
- This recipe works well as a low carb salad or a healthy appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 45