I love the medley of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves in this dish. With salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, I practice my guide on How To Make Caprese Salad featuring a tangy homemade balsamic glaze. This elegant plate beckons with simple yet refined flavors.

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I’m super excited to share my take on a Caprese Salad Recipe that features an amazing homemade balsamic glaze. I usually start with 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced thickly, then layer them with 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese and about 20 fresh basil leaves.

I add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the top. What really makes this dish unforgettable is the balsamic glaze I make by simmering 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of sugar until it thickens to perfection.

I’ve always loved finding new ways to elevate a simple Caprese salad, and this version really nails it. Whether you’re aiming for a quick Caprese salad dinner or a cold salad for a crowd, this recipe is a fun twist on classic Caprese glaze ideas and how to make a tasty Caprese.

Enjoy experimenting with it!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really enjoy this Caprese Salad recipe and here’s why:

1. I love how easy it is to put together. I mean, slicing tomatoes and mozzarella and layering them with basil makes it feel fancy even though it isnt hard to do.
2. The flavors just work so well together. The juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and that tangy homemade balsamic glaze all bring out the best in each other.
3. I dig that I can actually make the balsamic glaze at home. Watching the vinegar and sugar reduce into a thick, sweet sauce is really satisfying and gives the salad an extra kick.
4. Lastly, eating it makes me feel healthy and fancy at the same time. It remind me of simple Italian cooking that doesn’t try too hard yet tastes amazing.

Ingredients

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Tomatoes: ripe, fiber rich, and packed with vitamin C, offering a juicy, sweet flavor.
Mozzarella: soft, protein-rich cheese that supplies creamy texture and calcium goodness in each slice.
Basil: fresh herb rooted in antioxidants, lending a fragrant and zesty green punch.
Extra virgin olive oil: provides heart-healthy fats for richness and smooth, subtle flavor.
Balsamic glaze: melding tangy vinegar with sugary sweetness for a deep, balanced finish.
Salt and pepper: enhance all flavors with a light, savory kick.
Fresh, natural ingredients elevate this vibrant, healthy caprese salad.
Sweet and tangy glaze creates a delicious contrast to the fresh ingredients.

Ingredient Quantities

3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

A bunch of fresh basil leaves (about 20 leaves)

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the homemade balsamic glaze: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar

How to Make this

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1. First, slice the tomatoes into even rounds and do the same with the mozzarella cheese.

2. Next, lay the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving plate, alternating between them.

3. Scatter whole fresh basil leaves on top, using about 20 leaves.

4. Season the slices with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.

6. To make the balsamic glaze, pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and add 2 tablespoons sugar into a small saucepan.

7. Bring the vinegar and sugar mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring continuously.

8. Allow the mixture to reduce until it thickens into a glaze; this should take about 5-8 minutes.

9. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a minute.

10. Finally, drizzle the homemade balsamic glaze all over the salad and serve immediately. Enjoy your Caprese Salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Sharp knife
2. Cutting board
3. Serving plate
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Small saucepan
6. Stirring spoon
7. Stove

FAQ

Q: Is fresh mozzarella necessary or can I use another type of cheese?

A: Fresh mozzarella is best since it gives that creamy texture and mild flavor. If you use a different cheese it might change the vibe of the salad.

Q: How do I make the homemade balsamic glaze?

A: Its really simple. Just mix 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons sugar in a small pan and heat it over low heat until it thickens, usually around 5 to 8 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesnt burn.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: I wouldnt recommend it because the tomatoes might turn mushy and the basil can wilt. It’s much better to assemble it right before you serve.

Q: Should I season the salad before or after adding the olive oil?

A: I like to season the tomatoes and mozzarella with a bit of salt and pepper first then drizzle on the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze after, to get the best flavor.

Q: Can I add extra ingredients like avocado?

A: Sure you can experiment if you want! But adding ingredients like avocado might stray away from the classic taste of a Caprese salad.

Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have fresh basil, you might try using arugula or even baby spinach for a different twist.
For fresh mozzarella, burrata can be a great substitute if you want a creamier, softer cheese texture.
If extra virgin olive oil is out of reach, you could use avocado oil or even a mild grapeseed oil to keep things light.
For the balsamic glaze, if balsamic vinegar isn’t available, try using red wine vinegar with a bit more sugar and simmer longer to get that sweet-tart reduction.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the tomatoes sit on a paper towel for a few minutes after slicing so they lose some extra water – this way, your salad wont get soggy when you add the olive oil and glaze.
2. When making your homemade balsamic glaze, keep an eye on it while it simmers cause it can go from perfectly thick to burnt really quick. It’s best to take it off the heat as soon as it reaches a syrupy consistency and let it cool a bit before drizzling.
3. Use a really sharp knife when slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella; sometimes slightly frozen mozzarella can give you cleaner slices, which make the salad look a lot nicer and help all the flavors blend together better.