Caprese Salad (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.

Indulge guilt-free in Caprese Salad, as it offers a delicious and nutritious meal option with minimal calories, perfect for promoting weight loss and healthy eating habits.

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

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.

It stays fresher and it's really easy to use a fork to break your portion up into bite size pieces. Or just eat it with your hands! Another way to serve a Caprese style salad is to chop everything into bite-size pieces, toss with the olive oil and vinegar, and serve over a bed of lettuce or as a chilled pasta salad.

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.

Taste: Cherry tomatoes are super sweet in comparison to most other types of tomatoes. They also have thinner skin and a higher water content than grape tomatoes—giving them a greater juiciness. Grape tomatoes are a little less watery and sugary than sweet cherry tomatoes.

Is Mozzarella Cheese Healthy? Mozzarella cheese is considered a healthier cheese option due to its lower fat and calorie content compared to other cheeses. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

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.

What is a substitute for basil in caprese salad? ›

Spinach, particularly baby spinach, can be a great substitute for basil in dishes where the herb would be served raw, like pesto or Caprese salads. Spinach provides similar color and texture to fresh basil, although it lacks some of the herb's aromatic nuance.

Caprese Salad is terrific served as a side for sharing, as a light meal with crusty bread or piled onto toast with smashed avocado. Fresh and delightful! So I make my Caprese Salad with a vinaigrette for the main dressing then drizzle it with a balsamic glaze for an extra burst burst of flavour just before serving.

All things considered, YES a Caprese salad is a healthy option! Low in calories with a bunch of important nutrients coming from the vegetables and healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil. Basil also is a strong anti-inflammatory with enzyme-inhibiting oils.

As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “Salad of Capri.” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.

Caprese salad is an Italian dish, also referred to as Insalata Caprese. The dish received its name from Capri, an island off the coast of Naples, Italy. You will notice that my recipe doesn't include balsamic vinegar.