How To Make Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze? ›

The differences between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar are consistency and sweetness. Balsamic vinegar is completely liquid, less sweet, and is typically used as an ingredient in recipes. Balsamic glaze is simply balsamic vinegar that has been cooked down (reduced), making it thicker and sweeter.

Boasting the colors of the Italian flag, Caprese Salad is one of the prettiest, tastiest, and easiest salads you'll ever make. Fresh mozzarella, ripe red tomatoes, and emerald green basil, plus robust olive oil and a pinch of salt are all you need to make this stunning summer salad recipe.

The Best Tomatoes for Caprese Salad

Big, bright red beefsteaks are also good contenders. When selecting tomatoes, choose fragrant ones that smell earthy at the stem end and feel heavy for their size.

This product does not need to be refrigerated after opening. If you like your glaze chilled it may be stored in the refrigerator. This is personal preference.

Can I substitute the reduction for the vinegar? Substituting one for another depends on the recipe you're making. Balsamic vinegar glaze has the consistency of syrup and is sweeter than the vinegar because of the cooking process therefore usually it's best not to use balsamic vinegar in place of the glaze.

One of the favorite and most used condiments in Italy and abroad is Italian balsamic vinegar. It's used to dress salads, as an ingredient in many dishes and to drizzle on top of foods like strawberries and Parmesan cheese.

It takes 12 years to make the best, aceto balsamico tradizionale (traditional balsamic vinegar), and at least 25 to make the finest, extra Vecchio. Because of traditional balsamic vinegar's painstaking artisanal production process, supplies are limited, and it tends to be rather pricey.

Do use it as a finishing flavor. Whether its vegetables or meat, balsamic shines when its flavor hasn't been overheated. If you want to use it to finish a pork filet or a nice risotto, add it right at the end of the cooking time. Add about a teaspoon per person.

Caprese salad makes a scrumptious quick lunch at home, or you can serve it with grilled steak kabobs for an easy summer dinner! It's just as perfect for a full blown Italian-inspired feast with spaghetti and meatballs and garlic cheese bread. Oh, and tiramisu for dessert?

Health Benefits of Caprese Salad:

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. Basil leaves contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Is caprese salad good for losing weight? ›

Caprese salad is naturally low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor. It provides a satisfying meal while supporting weight loss efforts.

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.

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.

When Traditional Balsamic Vinegar is used in the cooking process, it should be added before the dish is removed from the stove so that it has just the right amount of time to flavor the food without losing all its aroma in the cooking process.

Healthy Digestive System:

Acetic acid, which comprises probiotic bacteria strains, is the principal active ingredient in balsamic glaze. These probiotics aren't just good for preserving food, they can also help with digestion and intestinal health.

With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, balsamic glaze adds a deep, rich colour and flavour to any recipe. Whether you pop it on a Caprese Salad with Avocado or drizzle it over Italian Herb Bruschetta, it elevates every dish it touches.

This vinegar reduction can be used for both savory and sweet applications like drizzling on meats, vegetables, cheese, fruits, and gelato. Balsamic vinegar of Modena (49% min.)