Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella

Cookinero 8 November 2022

Caprese salad - so easy to make, fresh and delicious - one of my favorite summer salads. It consists of slices of mozzarella (tender young cheese with a delicate milky taste and elastic texture) alternately laid out on a serving plate, fresh tomatoes and green basil leaves. They came up with a salad on Capri, an amazingly beautiful island located 36 kilometers from Naples: the colors of the ingredients repeat the colors of the Italian flag.

How to cook Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella

Step 1

Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella

I recommend washing the mozzarella package with warm water and soap before use, especially if you will give the salad to children (so that microbes do not get on the cheese, which is not cooked in this recipe). Then wipe the package with a paper towel, cut a corner and drain the brine (it will not be needed in the recipe).

Step 2

Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella

If the mozzarella is large, put it on a board and cut into slices about 0.5-0.7 cm thick. If the mozzarella is in the form of small balls, it can be used whole.

Step 3

Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella

Wash the tomatoes with soap, rinse with cold (preferably filtered) water, pat dry with a paper towel and also cut (in circles) if necessary - if they are large.

Step 4

Wash the basil with cool water, if possible, also rinse with filtered water, then dry it on a paper towel, disassemble it into leaves, removing wilted and with traces of spoilage.

Step 5

Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella

On a serving platter, alternate the slices of tomato and mozzarella. Garnish with basil leaves.

Step 6

Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella

Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (optional), and season with salt and pepper (optional) to taste. Serve to the table. Enjoy your meal!

Salad "Caprese" with mozzarella - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Yes, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with other soft cheeses like burrata or even feta for a tangier flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ slightly from the traditional Caprese.
Caprese salad is best when eaten fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the tomatoes and mozzarella may become slightly watery.
Yes, Caprese salad is naturally vegetarian as it consists of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, all plant-based ingredients except for the cheese.
Caprese salad makes a beautiful appetizer or light lunch. You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. Consider adding a crusty bread for dipping in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the individual components (sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Don't dress it until serving.
Freezing Caprese salad is not recommended. The tomatoes and mozzarella will change texture and become very watery when thawed, compromising the salad's quality.
Fresh basil is really key to Caprese salad's flavor, but in a pinch, you can use dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil. However, the flavor will be significantly different.

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