Caprese salad

Caprese Salad - an explosion of Italian flavors

Caprese salad is one of the most renowned Italian salads, combining simplicity and freshness in a light dish, perfect for warm days or as a refined appetizer at dinner. This simple yet sophisticated recipe brings to your table a perfect combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil. Let’s discover together how to prepare a perfect Caprese salad, in simple steps but with exceptional results!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 200g mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella for an authentic taste)
- 4 ripe tomatoes (choose Roma or heirloom tomatoes for intense flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh green basil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic (optional, for an extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the tomatoes well under cold running water. If you want to remove the skins, you can plunge them into boiling water for 30 seconds, then quickly transfer them to ice water. This method will make peeling easier. Once you’ve peeled the tomatoes, slice them thinly, about 0.5 cm thick.

Step 2: Slicing the mozzarella cheese
Slice the mozzarella cheese thinly, similar to the tomatoes. If you choose to use mini mozzarella balls, you can leave them whole for a playful look. Make sure the cheese is well-drained so the salad doesn’t become watery.

Step 3: Preparing the basil
Finely chop the basil leaves. This will add incredible freshness to your salad. If you want a more intense flavor, you can gently rub the leaves between your palms before chopping them to release the essential oils.

Step 4: Assembling the salad
In a salad bowl, alternately arrange the slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, creating an attractive display. Sprinkle the chopped basil on top. If you want to add a subtle flavor, you can rub a clove of garlic on the bottom of the salad bowl before adding the ingredients.

Step 5: Seasoning
Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. High-quality olive oil will make a difference in the final flavor, so don’t compromise on this ingredient.

Step 6: Serving
Caprese salad is best served fresh, ideally at room temperature. You can place it on a large platter for a beautiful presentation, or serve it on skewers, using mozzarella balls and basil leaves for an elegant appetizer.

Customized option:
For an interesting twist, you can add slices of avocado or black olives, which will add new texture and flavor. You can also drizzle the salad with a bit of balsamic vinegar for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:
- Choose seasonal tomatoes, as fresh ones have a much more intense flavor.
- Use high-quality mozzarella cheese, preferably buffalo mozzarella, for an authentic taste.
- If you want to prepare the salad a few hours before serving, layer the ingredients but add the oil, salt, and pepper just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from getting mushy.

This Caprese salad is not only a visual delight but also an explosion of fresh and tasty flavors. Enjoy every bite and savor the authentic Italian taste!