Description
Palermo’s classic caprese salad combines fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. Mediterranean ingredients create a simple yet elegant dish that connects Italian culinary traditions with summer’s natural flavors you will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ripe tomatoes, (3–4 medium) sliced ¼ inch thick
- 12–16 oz (340–454 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 bunch fresh basil, (⅓ cup basil leaves)
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tbsps balsamic glaze, or added to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Slice Preparation: Craft uniform, paper-thin rounds of vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, ensuring precise 1/4-inch thickness on a pristine cutting board.
- Artistic Arrangement: Create an elegant layering design on a white serving platter, alternating and slightly overlapping tomato and mozzarella slices with strategic precision.
- Herbal Garnish: Intersperse whole, vibrant basil leaves between cheese and tomato layers, allowing their emerald edges to create visual texture and aromatic intrigue.
- Seasoning Technique: Elevate the dish with a delicate sprinkle of premium sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing seasonings to enhance each ingredient’s natural flavor profile.
- Finishing Touch: Conclude by executing a graceful, circular drizzle of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, complemented by an artistic zigzag of aged balsamic glaze, transforming the salad into a gastronomic masterpiece.
Notes
- Choose Peak-Ripeness Tomatoes: Select deep red, fragrant vine-ripened tomatoes at the height of summer for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Master Precise Slicing: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, thin slices (1/4 inch) for an elegant presentation and balanced bite.
- Prioritize Fresh Ingredients: Use highest quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and just-picked basil leaves to elevate the classic dish.
- Temperature Matters: Serve immediately at room temperature to enhance the natural flavors and ensure optimal texture of each ingredient.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg