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Easy Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe

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A simple and fresh Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, perfect for beginners and ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella ball, sliced (burrata or mozzarella di bufala recommended)
  • 15–20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or good-quality balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch or two of flaky sea salt (like Maldon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced or crushed
  • Optional: Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the tomatoes. Slice them into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. If using cherry tomatoes, halve or quarter them depending on size.
  2. Drain any excess liquid from the mozzarella ball. Using a sharp knife, slice it into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels if too wet.
  3. Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter, slightly overlapping them. Tuck fresh basil leaves between slices and scatter a few extra on top.
  4. Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the arranged slices. Add thin garlic slices if using.
  5. Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad, followed by a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or vinegar.

Notes

Use fresh mozzarella balls for best texture. Pat mozzarella dry to avoid watery salad. Drizzle olive oil last to keep salad fresh. Start with less balsamic glaze to avoid overpowering the salad. Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, easy salad recipe, summer salad, Italian salad, quick salad

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-fresh-caprese-salad-recipe-5-steps-for-beginners-to-perfect/