Classic Caprese Salad with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Make this classic Caprese Salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Finish it with a simple, homemade balsamic glaze for a bright, Italian starter.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (or 2 cups cherry tomatoes)
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced or small balls (bocconcini)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Balsamic Glaze: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon (about 10 to 15 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Slice the large tomatoes, if using. If using cherry tomatoes, leave them whole or halve them.
- Arrange the tomato slices or halves on a serving platter, alternating them with slices of fresh mozzarella and whole basil leaves. If using mozzarella balls, scatter them among the tomatoes and basil.
- Drizzle the entire salad evenly with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sprinkle the salad with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the cooled homemade balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use high-quality, fresh mozzarella, such as buffalo mozzarella or fresh mozzarella packed in water.
- If you want a variation, try adding sliced cucumber for a Cucumber Caprese Salad twist.
- This salad is best assembled right before you serve it to keep the basil fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 30