Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO)

I love how my version of how to make Caprese salad transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a culinary celebration. Ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil mingle with a rich balsamic reduction to create a dish that enchants the senses and inspires gatherings with family and friends to share moments.

I have always been curious about how to perfectly balance simple ingredients and that’s why I love this Caprese Salad Recipe so much. I experimented with ripe tomatoes sliced about 1/2 inch thick, fresh mozzarella cheese neatly cut up, and a handful of aromatic basil leaves, and it turned out to be one of my best finds.

I also discovered the magic behind the best homemade balsamic glaze made with 1 cup of balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. After watching a few video tutorials on How To Make Caprese Salad and some Balsamic Glaze Ideas, I knew I had to try it for a Caprese Salad Dinner.

It’s a cold salad perfect for a crowd and super easy to whip up if you wanna impress your friends with a tasty twist on a classic Italian salad recipe. Enjoy trying this out!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this Caprese Salad recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, it’s super simple to make so even if you’re not the best cook you can still pull it off. I just slice up some ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, lay them out with basil leaves in between, and sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on top.

Second, the flavor is amazing. I mean, juicy tomatoes mixed with smooth cheese and that burst of basil always makes me feel like I’m eating a little bit of summer. Every bite tastes so fresh and satisfying.

Third, the homemade balsamic glaze is the best part. I love how I can put 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucepan and watch it slowly reduce into a thick syrup. That sweet and tangy drizzle really ties the salad together and adds a flavor explosion that I can hardly get enough of.

Lastly, it feels like a treat every time I make it because it reminds me of those fun family dinners and lazy summer afternoons. I guess what I’m saying is that this salad isn’t just a meal for me, it’s a bit of happiness on a plate.

Ingredients

• Fresh tomatoes provide fiber, vitamin C, and a juicy tang to brighten every bite.
• Creamy mozzarella is packed with protein and calcium and boosts the dish’s richness.
• Aromatic basil leaves contribute antioxidants and a refreshing, slightly peppery flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that transforms the salad with its smooth acidity.
• A light sprinkle of sugar helps balance the acidity in the vinegar for a perfect glaze.
• A pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• The salad offers a nutrient boost by combining antioxidants, vitamins, and low-cal healthy fats.
• Each ingredient works in harmony to create a fresh and vibrant dish for any occasion.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced about 1/2 inch thick)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (around 15 leaves)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar

How to Make this

1. Start by washing the tomatoes and basil leaves well. Then slice the tomatoes into about 1/2 inch thick rounds and slice the mozzarella cheese into similar thickness.

2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving plate by alternating them, and tuck a basil leaf between each layer.

3. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper over the arranged slices.

4. For the balsamic glaze, pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, and stir until the sugar starts to dissolve.

5. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it simmer. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn.

6. Continue simmering the mixture until it reduces by about half and gets a syrupy consistency. This should take around 10-15 minutes. It will thicken a bit more after you remove it from the heat.

7. Drizzle the warm balsamic glaze generously over the salad once it has a nice thick texture.

8. Your Caprese Salad is ready to serve. Enjoy it right away while the flavors are fresh and vibrant.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board – to wash and prep the tomatoes and basil leaves
2. Chef’s knife – for slicing the tomatoes into 1/2 inch rounds and the mozzarella similarly
3. Measuring cup – to measure the 1 cup of balsamic vinegar accurately
4. Measuring spoons – for the 3 tablespoons of sugar and to portion salt and pepper
5. Small saucepan – to make the balsamic glaze on the stove
6. Cooking spoon – to stir the vinegar and sugar mixture in the saucepan
7. Serving plate – to neatly arrange the alternating tomato, mozzarella, and basil slices
8. Colander – to rinse the tomatoes and basil properly before slicing

FAQ

Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations

• If fresh ripe tomatoes arent on hand, you can try picking up some heirloom tomatoes or vine tomatoes instead
• You can swap fresh mozzarella with burrata or even a soft goat cheese if you want a creamier twist
• If basil leaves are missing, fresh arugula or mint leaves can work pretty well in a pinch
• For the balsamic vinegar, you can mix red wine vinegar with a bit more sugar to mimic that sweet tang
• If you dont have sugar, a drizzle of honey or a spoon of agave syrup may do the trick

Pro Tips

1. Let your tomatoes and mozzarella come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before you start. Cold cheese and tomatoes can dull the flavor a bit, so letting them warm up makes everything taste way better.

2. When making the balsamic glaze, use a heavy bottomed pan and keep the heat low so it doesn’t burn. I’ve learned the hard way that a too high heat can ruin the glaze in seconds.

3. Try drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil over everything just before serving. It gives a nice finish and really brings out the natural flavor of all the ingredients.

4. If you like a little extra zing, you can add a few more basil leaves on top after drizzling the glaze. It not only looks cool but also gives a fresh burst of flavor that makes the salad pop.