Freshness overloaded: Check out this caprese salad recipe
Caprese salad, or insalata caprese, is a quintessential Italian dish hailing from Capri. This simple yet sophisticated salad embodies Italy's flag with its vibrant colors. Ideal for summer, it features tomatoes at their juiciest. Perfect for any occasion, caprese salad offers a refreshing taste of Italy with minimal effort. Embrace the essence of Italian dining with this classic, easy-to-prepare favorite. Here's the recipe.
Gather the following ingredients
Craft the classic Italian salad with four key ingredients: three large, ripe tomatoes and a pound of fresh mozzarella form its core, while a handful of aromatic basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil complete the dish. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the full flavors.
Step 1: Slice tomatoes and mozzarella
Begin by washing your tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Next, slice the tomatoes into quarter-inch thick rounds. Do the same with the mozzarella cheese. The key here is to ensure that both ingredients are sliced uniformly to create a harmonious presentation and distribution of flavors in every bite.
Assemble the salad
Arrange vibrant tomato slices and creamy mozzarella cheese in an alternating pattern on a generous platter, evoking the image of the Italian flag fluttering gracefully. Intersperse fresh whole basil leaves among the layers for a touch of aromatic elegance. This eye-catching display is not only a feast for the eyes but also designed for effortless serving.
Seasoning perfection
With your salad artfully arranged, it's time to elevate its flavors. Begin by sprinkling a delicate pinch of sea or kosher salt across the greens, taking advantage of their texture and ability to enhance taste. Then, tailor the seasoning to your palate by freshly grinding black pepper over the salad, adding a subtle heat and aroma that ties everything together beautifully.
Drizzle with olive oil and serve
The final touch is a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over the entire salad. The oil not only adds flavor but also helps to meld together all the components into one cohesive dish. Choose an olive oil that's fruity and not too overpowering so as not to overshadow the delicate taste of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Serve and enjoy your salad!
