Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Few dishes celebrate summer like Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze. Juicy, ripe tomatoes meet creamy slices of fresh mozzarella, accented by the bold aroma of basil and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze. It’s a timeless Italian favorite, and this version adds just a touch of sweetness with sugar and a glossy finish from store-bought balsamic glaze. Perfect as a starter, side, or light lunch, this dish comes together in minutes and looks as beautiful as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually stunning: The layered red, white, and green makes a show-stopping presentation.
• No cooking required: Just slice, layer, and drizzle—perfect for hot summer days.
• Bold flavor: The combination of tangy balsamic, fresh basil, and sweet tomatoes hits every note.
• Customizable: Use heirloom tomatoes for color variety or standard vine-ripened for year-round availability.
• Quick & elegant: Comes together in under 20 minutes but feels restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

• 3 heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch slices (pre-sliced is fine)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Balsamic glaze (store-bought), for drizzling
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil, plus more whole sprigs to garnish the platter

Directions

1. Slice and prep the tomatoes:
   Slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds and lay them out in a single layer on a cutting board or large plate. Sprinkle the tops of the slices evenly with ½ teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt. Let the tomatoes sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture and enhance their natural sweetness.
2. Prepare the mozzarella:
   While the tomatoes rest, slice the fresh mozzarella into ¼-inch thick rounds if not pre-sliced. Set aside.
3. Assemble the salad:
   On a large serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, overlapping slightly in a circular or linear pattern depending on your presentation style. Season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper.
4. Add basil:
   Scatter ¼ cup of roughly chopped fresh basil over the layered salad. Tuck a few whole basil sprigs into the arrangement as garnish for a fresh, vibrant look.
5. Finish with oil and glaze:
   Drizzle the entire salad lightly with extra virgin olive oil, then follow with a generous drizzle of store-bought balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use heirloom tomatoes in different colors (yellow, green, red, purple) for a rainbow effect.
• For extra flavor, marinate the mozzarella slices in olive oil and a bit of crushed garlic for 15 minutes before assembling.
• Make it mini: Create individual stacks for a more elegant plated starter.
• Homemade balsamic glaze: If desired, reduce ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon honey over low heat until syrupy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a starter with crusty Italian bread.
• Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a light summer meal.
• Serve with chilled rosé or sparkling water infused with basil and lemon.

Storage / Reheating

• Storage: Best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, but the tomatoes may release liquid and soften.
• Do not freeze. The fresh mozzarella and tomatoes do not thaw well.
• Reheating: Not applicable—this salad is served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can slice the ingredients and prep components up to 1 hour in advance, but assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.

What’s the best tomato for Caprese?
A: Heirloom tomatoes add variety and color, but any ripe vine-ripened tomato will work beautifully.

Is store-bought balsamic glaze okay?
A: Absolutely! It saves time and offers consistent flavor and texture.

Can I use dried basil?
A: Fresh basil is highly recommended for this salad. Dried basil lacks the bright, aromatic punch.

Conclusion

This Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the perfect balance of freshness, elegance, and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this colorful dish brings the best of summer to your table with just a few quality ingredients. It’s proof that when you use what’s fresh and in season, less truly is more.

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