Caprese Salad Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

What is Caprese salad made of? ›

Fresh, thick-sliced tomatoes, equally thick slices of mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. That's it! There's nothing complicated about it. A drizzle of olive oil, some of that balsamic reduction, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and you're set.

To Make Ahead: This easy Caprese salad is definitely best served fresh but it can stay in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you need to make it ahead of time, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes and store them separately in the refrigerator.

Caprese salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cancer and heart disease. Mozzarella cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

When selecting tomatoes, choose fragrant ones that smell earthy at the stem end and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with wrinkled skins. You can also make a caprese with smaller tomato varieties, such as plum, roma, cherry, grape, or sungold.

For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

Balsamic glaze is also called a “balsamic reduction.” It is essentially a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Additional sweeteners like honey or sugar can be added. The balsamic vinegar is simmered in a saucepan until it has reduced down and thickened to a maple-syrup consistency.

Best: Black Bean-and-Avocado Salad

The beans are a good source of disease-fighting antioxidants, and they have protein and fiber, as well as energy-boosting iron. Avocado adds creaminess and fiber. Plus, its fats help your body take in nutrients, including heart-healthy lycopene.

Indulge guilt-free in Caprese Salad, as it provides a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal option with minimal calories, perfect for supporting weight loss goals.

The polyphenols found in balsamic vinegar have antioxidant properties that multiple studies show may help improve cardiovascular health. While not a substitute for medication, incorporating balsamic vinegar into a heart-healthy diet could be a small but flavorful step toward maintaining healthy blood pressure.

If you're going to cook and want a melted cheese vibe then Gruyere cheese, cheddar or Swiss cheese would be the best substitutes. But if you're using the fresh mozzarella balls in a Caprese salad with basil and tomatoes I'd go for a softer cheese like ricotta or goats cheese or even labneh (yogurt cheese balls).

What kind of mozzarella is used in caprese? ›

Ovolini mozzarella is just one size down from your standard large ball, perfect for when you're making a caprese for just one or two people. It can be made with buffalo milk, cow's milk, or a combination, but inside the states, it will be made with 100 percent cow's milk.

The best dishes to serve with Caprese Salad are grilled meat, garlic bread, pasta, or a charcuterie board.

The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".

You'll also be getting a good dose of potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Tomatoes get their signature red color from something called lycopene. Lycopene is linked to better heart and eye health. Basil – Basil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural essential oils.

Mozzarella is lower in fat and sodium than many other kinds of cheese, and part-skim varieties have even less total and saturated fat. Like other cheese, mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium and contains phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for optimal health.

One of the most delicious dishes found in all of Italian cuisine is Caprese salad or the Insalata Caprese. This dish marries some of the most notable ingredients in Italian cuisine including tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.