Ahh, one of our favorite dishes in the summer; fresh tomatoes, buffala mozzarella, and fresh basil layered together, and then drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper.
Caprese salad is a popular Italian summertime dish. The dish incorporates the colors of the Italian flag, and uses the freshest summer ingredients.
Tester's Notes
I just received a beautiful pile of late summer heirloom tomatoes from a gardening friend. Although Caprese Salad is typically a dish made to celebrate the beginning of summer, I couldn't think of a better way to say farewell to the season than with the simple addition of basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.Kathryn followed the more classic method of layering slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil; however, I prefer the more rustic look of big wedges of tomatoes and cheese. Either way, it's delicious. - Nealey
Caprese Salad
Serves 4 as an appetizer8 ounces fresh mozzarella
2-3 tomatoes
1 bunch basil
Extra-virign olive oil
Sea salt
Black pepper
Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes into thin slices. Lay tomato slices on a platter, top with a leaf of basil, and then layer with mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
(Originally published 08/21/2008)
(Images: Nealey Dozier)
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This looks so refreshing and light.
Looks like dinner!
makes me want to stop at whole foods on the way home and pick some up....mmmmm
It's super tasty with a slice of mango added to the salad as well. I think I may have to make it for dinner tomorrow with my CSA tomatoes!
I rarely resist when I see a Caprese salad on the menu. The taste is incredible when the tomatoes are at their prime. Enjoy while it lasts.
Wow. Kathryn, we must be on the same wavelength because I just posted on caprese myself!
www.thebitterfoodie.blogspot.com
when I did not have basil, I substituted with cilantro. Another time I just made cilantro infused oil and used that instead.
i've always had it, always prefer, and always use just balsamic vinegar. you don't need anything else.
I like to drizzle a little reduce balsamic vinegar over my caprese salad.
Tomatoes, basil and mozzarella, the wonderful trinity of late summer!
I made mine into a tart! The basil and mozzarella are in the custard, the tomatoes are thinly sliced - all different kinds and colors, and the whole thing is baked in a crunchy semolina crust.
Of course we eat it as a salad almost every night as well!
"Buffala" mozzarella?