Bursting with flavor, sunshine, and just the right amount of Italian flair!
When life gives you ripe tomatoes and a garden full of basil, there’s only one thing to do: make Caprese! This simple, vibrant salad is a summertime classic—no stove, no fuss, just gorgeous ingredients doing what they do best.
đź›’ Ingredients:
- 8 medium ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened are ideal)
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or a large ball sliced)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (whole or chiffonade-style)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional but delightful)
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
👩‍🍳 Instructions:
- Slice it up:
Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch slices. If using bocconcini, just halve or leave them whole depending on size. - Layer with love:
On a large platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella like a pinwheel or row. Tuck whole basil leaves in between (or sprinkle shredded ones if you prefer). - Dress to impress:
Drizzle with olive oil, a few artistic zigzags of balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. - Chill or serve immediately:
Best served fresh at room temp, but a light chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes is lovely too.
đź’ˇ Pro Tip:
Want to make it a little heartier? Serve with toasted baguette slices on the side and let guests build their own mini Caprese crostini.
🧪 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 215
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Vitamin C: ~20% DV
- Calcium: ~15% DV
- Iron: ~4% DV
🎉 Why We Love It:
- It’s fresh, fast, and fabulous.
- No cooking = no sweating.
- Makes you look fancy with almost no effort.