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The Caprese salad, with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, is a timeless classic that hails from the picturesque island of Capri, Italy. Traditionally composed of just three main ingredients—ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil—this dish embodies the essence of Italian cuisine: simplicity and quality. As we dive into the world of the Caprese salad, we’ll explore an exciting twist on this beloved dish, enhancing its classic foundation with the use of heirloom tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella.

Caprese Salad

Discover the exquisite flavors of the Classic Caprese Delight, a fresh twist on the traditional Italian salad. This stunning dish features vibrant heirloom tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a tangy balsamic reduction. Learn how to prepare and present this delicious salad with step-by-step instructions, beautiful layering techniques, and unique serving suggestions that will impress your guests at any gathering. Perfect for any occasion!
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Ingredients
  

4 ripe heirloom tomatoes (preferably a mix of red, yellow, and green)

8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella)

1 cup fresh basil leaves

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic reduction (store-bought or homemade)

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon of pesto for an extra kick

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the heirloom tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly. Pat dry the basil leaves with a paper towel.

    Slice the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into thick slices, about 1/2 inch each. Vary the sizes and colors for an appealing presentation.

      Slice the Mozzarella: Cut the fresh mozzarella into slices that match the size of the tomato slices. For a more rustic look, tear the mozzarella into chunks instead of slicing.

        Layer the Salad: On a large serving platter or individual plates, alternate layers of tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves. Arrange them in a circular pattern for a beautiful presentation.

          Drizzle with Oil and Balsamic: Once your salad is arranged, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the top. Follow this with a drizzle of the balsamic reduction for that sweet-tangy flavor.

            Season: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the entire salad to enhance the flavors. If using pesto, dollop small teaspoons on various spots on the salad for an extra herbaceous touch.

              Serve Immediately: For the freshest flavor, serve the salad immediately after preparation. Enjoy as a vibrant appetizer or a stunning side dish!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings