Description
A quick and fresh Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a sweet-tart balsamic glaze that takes just 5 minutes to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes (about 400g), sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or brown sugar (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: toasted pine nuts, sliced avocado
Instructions
- Make the balsamic glaze: Pour balsamic vinegar into a medium saucepan and stir in honey or brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into about ¼-inch thick rounds. Drain mozzarella if packed in water. Tear basil leaves gently or leave whole if small.
- Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving plate, overlapping slightly. Scatter basil leaves on top.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make the balsamic glaze ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week; warm gently before use. Use room temperature mozzarella and tomatoes for best flavor. Don’t rush the glaze reduction to avoid it becoming too thin or too hard. Optional add-ins like toasted pine nuts or avocado add richness without overpowering the salad.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Caprese salad, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, quick salad, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, Italian salad, healthy salad