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Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A fresh, vibrant, and classic Italian salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caprese Salad
  • 4 medium Vine-Ripened Tomatoes Sliced about 1/4 inch thick
  • 16 ounce Fresh Mozzarella Bocconcini or large ball, sliced
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Large, whole leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil High quality
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For the Balsamic Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Optional, for added sweetness

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: Pour the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar (if using) into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and let the vinegar gently simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon lightly. It should be syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool and thicken further.
  3. Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or individual plates, arrange alternating slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella. The traditional method involves overlapping them in a circular or linear pattern.
  4. Tuck fresh basil leaves evenly between the tomato and mozzarella layers, ensuring the green adds visual contrast.
  5. Season the arrangement lightly and evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Drizzle the surface sparingly with the high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
  7. Just before serving, generously drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the entire salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use garden-fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality buffalo mozzarella if available. The balsamic glaze thickens significantly as it cools; if it becomes too thick, briefly warm it slightly before drizzling.