Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad with Garden Tomatoes and Delaco Mozzarella

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

The whole world has discovered the charm of Caprese salad, a simple yet flavorful dish that combines fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. This salad, rooted in ancient culinary traditions, is a perfect choice for warm summer days when fresh ingredients are at their peak.

In this recipe, I will use tomatoes from my mother's garden, but don't worry, even if you don't have access to a garden, high-quality tomatoes from the market will do just fine. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 4 large, ripe tomatoes (ideally from the garden)
- 250 g Delaco Miez de lapte mozzarella, salted
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Washing the Ingredients: Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities or pesticides. If using garden tomatoes, it's best to pick them early in the morning when they are full of dew and flavor.

2. Slicing the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into slices about 1 cm thick. Make sure to use a sharp knife to avoid crushing the tomatoes, thus preserving their juice and texture.

3. Slicing the Mozzarella: Just like the tomatoes, slice the mozzarella into pieces of the same thickness. Delaco Miez de lapte mozzarella is perfect due to its creamy texture and delicate flavor.

4. Assembling the Salad: On a large plate, start layering the slices of tomato and mozzarella, alternating them. It's important to play with colors for an attractive visual effect. You can add a few basil leaves between the slices to enhance the aroma.

5. Seasoning: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. Then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. The oil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to the dish.

6. Marinating: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the ingredients to "meet" and combine their flavors. Additionally, the mozzarella and tomatoes will reveal their full taste.

7. Serving: After the marinating time has passed, it's time to enjoy this delicious salad. You can serve it as an appetizer alongside fresh bread or as a side dish with a meat or fish platter.

Helpful Tips:
- Instead of basil, you can experiment with other herbs like oregano or dill for an interesting variation.
- If you like crunchy textures, you can add some toasted nuts or pine nuts for a pleasant contrast.
- Don't hesitate to try different types of mozzarella, such as smoked ones, to add a distinct note.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned or dried tomatoes? While fresh tomatoes are essential for this recipe, you can use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for a more intense variant, but the taste will be different.
2. How can I keep the salad for longer? Caprese salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store it in the fridge, covered, for about a day, but the colors and textures won't be as vibrant.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while mozzarella provides calcium and protein. Extra virgin olive oil brings healthy fats for the heart.

To complement this meal, you can pair it with a glass of dry white wine or freshly made lemonade, which will add a refreshing note.

I wish you to enjoy every bite of this Caprese salad, to taste the flavor of fresh tomatoes, and to be carried away by the aroma of basil! This is a simple recipe but with a remarkable impact, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Bon appétit!