PrintClassic Caprese Salad with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Make this fresh tomato mozzarella salad in under 15 minutes. This easy Caprese salad recipe uses ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, finished with a simple homemade balsamic glaze for a perfect Italian salad appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or sliced), drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Balsamic Glaze: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon (about 10-12 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool; it will thicken as it cools.
- Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving platter, alternating slices or placing mozzarella pearls between tomato slices.
- Tuck the fresh basil leaves among the tomatoes and cheese.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the cooled homemade balsamic glaze over the entire salad just before serving.
Notes
- For a low carb salad idea, skip the glaze or use it sparingly.
- If you use small mozzarella balls (pearls), you can thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil for easy serving.
- This recipe is a refreshing side dish perfect for summer BBQs or picnics.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 45