Description
This Caprese salad is made with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil oil and a balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- Two mozzarella balls packed in water (16 ounces)
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes- colorful heirlooms, vine-ripened, cherry, any color or variety will work as long as they are ripe.
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
- extra virgin olive oil or make Basil oil and Balsamic Glaze (see notes)
Instructions
- Make the basil oil and/or balsamic glaze if using. (see notes)
- Slice the mozzarella balls into 1/4-inch slices
- Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices. If tomatoes are extra large, cut into half moons or quarters. If using cherry tomatoes, halve them.
- Assemble: Spread a layer of basil oil on the base of a platter or large plate (saving a little for the top). Begin layering tomatoes and mozzarella circularly, or in rows, or in a swirl, or completely randomly. Tuck in basil leaves. At this point, you could cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, bringing to room temp before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper generously. Drizzle with olive oil or a little more basil oil, then drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
Notes
To make the Basil Oil: Blend 1/2 cup basil (packed) with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 fat garlic clove, a tiny squeeze of lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Using a food processor is easiest here since it is such a small batch. It will keep up the 4-5 days in the fridge. You can make this ahead, but it is at its “prettiest” most vibrant green, the day of.
The basil oil will firm up in the fridge, so make sure to bring it to room temp before serving and drizzling.
To make the balsamic glaze, bring any amount of balsamic vinegar to a simmer in a small saucepan and reduce by half. For example, simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar until it is roughly 1/4th cup (about 20 mins) and coats the back of a spoon. It will thicken even more as it cools. If you want it sweeter, add a tiny splash of maple syrup at the end to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4.4 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.7 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Protein: 9.7 g
- Cholesterol: 29.5 mg