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Fresh Loaded Caprese Salad with Caramelized Balsamic Glaze

Fresh Loaded Caprese Salad - featured image
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A fresh, colorful, and light Caprese salad enhanced with a sweet and tangy caramelized balsamic glaze, perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 large ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened), sliced 1/4 inch thick or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (mozzarella di bufala or fresh ball mozzarella), sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 20–25 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) good-quality aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts or flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey.
  2. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid burning by lowering heat if necessary.
  3. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 inch thick rounds (or halve cherry tomatoes). Arrange slices alternately on a serving platter.
  4. Tuck whole basil leaves between tomato and mozzarella layers, tearing larger leaves if needed.
  5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
  6. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Once the balsamic glaze has cooled slightly but is still pourable, drizzle it over the salad.
  8. Optionally, scatter toasted pine nuts or a few flakes of sea salt on top.
  9. Serve immediately at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

Keep heat low when reducing balsamic vinegar to avoid burning. Use a serrated knife to slice tomatoes cleanly. Serve salad within 30 minutes of assembly to prevent sogginess. Mozzarella at room temperature enhances creaminess. The glaze can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, balsamic glaze, summer salad, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, easy recipe, healthy salad

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/fresh-loaded-caprese-salad-with-caramelized-balsamic-glaze-easy-recipe-for-summer/