Summer Delight: Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Hey there! In 2024, on April 3rd, we're diving into a super yummy Caprese salad. This salad, made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, gets a drizzle of sweet balsamic reduction and olive oil. It's easy to make, looks great, and tastes amazing!

Time to Make It

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

This fresh Caprese salad recipe is a perfect way to add color and flavor to your summer.

What's Caprese Salad?

Caprese is an Italian salad. It has sliced tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and balsamic reduction. It's named after the island of Capri, where it's said to have started.

Ingredients You'll Need

Balsamic vinegar and honey: You can make a simple dressing with these.
Tomatoes: Any tomato variety works, but large heirloom ones are great.
Mozzarella: Get a package and cut it into ¼ - inch slices.
Salt and pepper: Use these to season the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Basil: Fresh basil gives it a nice, earthy flavor and bright color.
Olive oil: Use a high - quality bottle as it really makes a difference.

How to Make It at Home

First, make a balsamic reduction with the balsamic vinegar and honey.
Then, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving plate with basil.
Finally, drizzle it with balsamic reduction and honey.

What to Serve With It

This Caprese salad is a great appetizer to go with all kinds of Italian dishes. Check out some Italian recipe collections for more ideas.

What People Are Saying

Denise said, "I followed this recipe exactly as written and it was delicious. I have leftover balsamic reduction which I’m going to brush on grilled chicken."
Joyce Fahey said, "I have made this recipe twice now and both times it was the showstopper at the table. It's so easy to make! The key is to reduce the balsamic until it's really thick. I think it's the longer reduction process that really makes the flavor shine here."
Linda Morency Giuffre raved, "A Caprese Salad is the best taste of summer, and this balsamic reduction is the best way to enjoy it."

Let's Cook!

Ingredients

1 cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup honey
3 large tomatoes, cut into 1/2 - inch slices
1 (16 - ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4 - inch slices
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup fresh basil leaves
¼ cup extra - virgin olive oil

Directions

Gather all the ingredients. Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan and put it on high heat.
Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer until it reduces to 1/3 cup (about 10 minutes). Set it aside to cool.
Decoratively arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter.
Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, tuck basil leaves around the slices, and drizzle with olive oil and the balsamic reduction.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
580	39g	35g	22g

Nutrition Facts	Details
Servings Per Recipe	4
Calories	580
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 39g	50%
Saturated Fat 18g	91%
Cholesterol 89mg	30%
Sodium 331mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate 35g	13%
Dietary Fiber 2g	6%
Total Sugars 32g
Protein 22g	44%
Vitamin C 19mg	21%
Calcium 692mg	53%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 400mg	9%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 - calorie diet. Your daily values may vary. ** Nutrient information might not be available for all ingredients. The amount is based on available data. (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you're on a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or dietitian before making this recipe.

Summer Delight! Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Recipe Details