Caprese Salad Recipe

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Caprese salad is a tasty Italian dish that’s quick and easy to make. You can create this yummy salad with just a few simple ingredients: cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. The recipe also includes a homemade balsamic reduction that adds a sweet and tangy flavor.

To make the balsamic reduction, you’ll simmer balsamic vinegar and honey until it thickens. Then you’ll toss the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil together. Drizzle the reduction over the salad, add salt and pepper, and enjoy! This fresh and colorful dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Caprese salad:

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 8 ounces Mozzarella Ciliegine (small, cherry-sized mozzarella balls)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

This recipe is easy to scale up or down. Here’s a handy guide:

Servings	1x	2x	3x
Balsamic vinegar	½ cup	1 cup	1½ cups
Honey	2 tbsp	4 tbsp	6 tbsp
Cherry tomatoes	10 oz	20 oz	30 oz
Mozzarella	8 oz	16 oz	24 oz
Fresh basil	¼ cup	½ cup	¾ cup

Salt and pepper are to taste, so adjust as you like. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Instructions

Start by making the balsamic reduction. Mix vinegar and honey in a small pot over high heat. When it boils, turn it down and let it simmer. Cook until it’s half as much and gets thicker, about 10-15 minutes. Take it off the heat when it’s a bit syrupy, but not too thick.

Next, get a big bowl. Put in the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Add some salt and pepper to taste.

Pour a little of the balsamic reduction over the salad. Mix it up and try a bite. Keep adding more until you like how it tastes.

Your Caprese salad is now ready to eat! You can serve it right away or chill it for a bit first. It’s great as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

Tip: If you want to make it look fancy, try layering the ingredients on a plate instead of mixing in a bowl. Put down tomatoes, then cheese, then basil. Drizzle the balsamic on top.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this Caprese salad to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. Here are some tasty swaps and tweaks:

Cheese Options:

• Burrata for a creamier texture
• Fresh mozzarella slices instead of cherry-sized
• Vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free version

Tomato Alternatives:

• Sliced heirloom tomatoes
• Roma tomatoes cut into wedges
• Yellow or orange cherry tomatoes for color variety

Herb Swaps:

• Oregano instead of basil
• Mixed Italian herbs for extra flavor

Try these fun variations:

1. Add diced avocado for creaminess
2. Toss in some arugula for a peppery kick
3. Drizzle with olive oil instead of balsamic glaze

You can also turn this into a hearty meal by adding:

• Grilled chicken strips
• Cooked and cooled pasta
• Crusty bread on the side

For a party-friendly twist, make Caprese skewers. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto small wooden skewers. Serve the balsamic glaze on the side for dipping.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Gently squeeze them – they should give slightly but not be mushy.

Try different types of mozzarella. Fresh buffalo mozzarella or burrata can add extra creaminess.

Make the balsamic reduction ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or a clove of minced garlic to the salad.

Chill your ingredients before mixing. This keeps the mozzarella firm and the salad refreshing.

To store leftovers, keep the balsamic reduction separate. Mix it in just before serving to prevent soggy tomatoes.

Try these serving ideas:

• On toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer
• Mixed with cooked pasta for a light meal
• Layered in a jar for an easy picnic dish

Remember to adjust seasoning before serving. A sprinkle of salt can really make the flavors pop!