Caprese Salad with Mozzarella and Basil Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes (approx. 600g / 1.3 lbs), sliced
• 250g (8 oz) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 20g (1 cup) fresh basil leaves
• 45ml (3 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
• 30ml (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar
• 5g (1 tsp) flaky sea salt
• 2g (1/2 tsp) freshly ground black pepper

Welcome to the delightful world of Caprese Salad, a celebration of simplicity and freshness that showcases the best of Italian cuisine. With just a few quality ingredients, this classic dish exemplifies the mantra that less is more, making it an ideal starter or side dish. Perfectly ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Join us as we create this quintessential Mediterranean dish, perfect for any occasion.

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Large Serving Platter

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 15 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing the tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly under running water. On a cutting board, using the chef’s knife, slice the tomatoes into even slices, approximately 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick. Do the same with the mozzarella, keeping the slices similar in thickness.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

On a large serving platter, alternate layers of sliced tomatoes and mozzarella, allowing them to slightly overlap. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices, ensuring a leaf accompanies each piece of mozzarella.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the assembled salad with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Ensure the liquids are distributed evenly across the salad to enhance each bite’s flavor.

Step 4: Season the Dish

Sprinkle the flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. These seasonings accentuate the freshness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you’ve just crafted a timeless Caprese Salad—a dish that personifies the elegance of Italian cuisine through its simplicity. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a starter, a side dish, or even as a light main course. Feel free to experiment with seasonal ingredients or variations like adding avocados or peaches for a new twist. The Caprese Salad not only delights with each bite but also serves as a reminder that the best dishes are often the simplest.

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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