Fresh Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad
A simple yet flavorful summer salad featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic drizzle that captures the essence of summer in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors and sizes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- Fresh mozzarella ball or bocconcini, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh basil leaves, whole or torn
- Extra virgin olive oil, good quality
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gently rinse the heirloom tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water. Pat dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to avoid sogginess.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the heirloom tomatoes into roughly 1/4-inch thick rounds, keeping slices even.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella into similar thickness as the tomatoes or tear into rustic chunks. Drain any excess liquid.
- Alternate tomato and mozzarella slices in a single layer or slightly overlapping rows on a large serving plate. Nestle basil leaves between the slices evenly.
- Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the arranged salad.
- Generously pour extra virgin olive oil over the entire salad, then drizzle balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction evenly.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to mingle before serving.
Notes
Use ripe but firm heirloom tomatoes for best flavor and texture. Let mozzarella sit out a few minutes before slicing to avoid rubbery texture. Making your own balsamic reduction enhances sweetness and richness. Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours; drain excess liquid before serving again. Avoid overdressing to keep fresh flavors balanced.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
Keywords: Caprese salad, heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic, summer salad, easy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free