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Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe with Heirloom Tomatoes Easy and Perfect

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A light and fresh Caprese salad featuring colorful heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or a honey-lemon substitute. Quick to prepare and perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (450g) heirloom tomatoes, sliced or roughly chopped
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn by hand
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction (or substitute with 1 teaspoon honey mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
  • Sea salt to taste (preferably flaky Maldon salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse heirloom tomatoes under cool water and pat dry. Slice about 1/4 inch thick or cut into wedges/rough chunks for rustic appeal. (5 minutes)
  2. Gently tear fresh basil leaves by hand into bite-sized pieces to keep them tender and aromatic. (2 minutes)
  3. Pull fresh mozzarella into chunks or slice into 1/4-inch thick pieces, aiming for uneven pieces to mix textures. (3 minutes)
  4. On a large platter or shallow bowl, alternate layers of tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Arrange in a circle or scatter loosely. (3 minutes)
  5. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over the salad. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly, then add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or reduction. If using honey-lemon mix, whisk 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and drizzle instead. (3 minutes)
  6. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and olive oil soak into the tomatoes. (Optional but recommended)

Notes

Tear basil leaves by hand instead of chopping to keep them tender and aromatic. Use ripe but firm tomatoes to maintain texture. Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for better flavor. Let salad rest 5-10 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Blot very juicy tomatoes to avoid sogginess. Use quality extra virgin olive oil with fruity or peppery notes. Dressing can be mixed in a bowl before drizzling. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 24 hours, keep dressing separate to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, easy salad, summer salad, Italian salad, fresh salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/fresh-caprese-salad-recipe-with-heirloom-tomatoes-easy-and-perfect/