Recipes,  Salads/Soups,  Side Dishes,  Simple Snacks,  Vegan/Vegetarian

Refreshing and Spectacular Caprese Salad

This vibrant dish traces its origins to post-World War I Italy. Like many Italian recipes, Caprese is celebrated for its simplicity and ease of preparation—proof that the best food often relies on just a few high-quality ingredients. Caprese salad brings together ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fragrant fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly cracked pepper. Simple yet refined, this dish lets the fresh ingredients shine. I recommend using only the very best organic ingredients you can find.

Heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese. *Shown with a side of pitted Kalamata olives and fresh basil leaves. 

Caprese SaladCaprese Salad

Refreshing and Spectacular Caprese Salad

GillyCanCook.com
This vibrant dish traces its origins to post-World War I Italy. Like many Italian recipes, Caprese is celebrated for its simplicity and ease of preparation—proof that the best food often relies on just a few high-quality ingredients. Caprese salad brings together ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata cheese, fragrant fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly cracked pepper. Simple yet refined, this dish lets the fresh ingredients shine. I recommend using only the very best organic ingredients you can find.
Heirloom tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese. *Shown with a side of pitted Kalamata olives and fresh basil leaves. 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Simple Snack, Vegan/Vegetarian
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Chopping board
  • 1 Serving plate

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 large Heirloom tomatoes (I like purple, yellow then red best)
  • 15 Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 large Fresh Burrata or mozzarella (I prefer Burrata, it's softer)
  • 1 drizzle Good olive oil
  • 1 drizzle Aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 pinch Sea salt (optional)
  • 2 pinches Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Slice the tomatoes about 1/2 inch thick. I mix the colors to create a nice look on the plate.
  • Mozzarella or Burrata – slice, then place one slice on each slice of tomato.
  • Tear fresh basil leaves off the stem and place on the cheese.
  • Drizzle with good olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar.
  • Sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper and enjoy!

Notes

Here’s a more welcoming and warm revision of your paragraph:
If you wrap up any leftovers, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for a day. Making a little extra is never a bad idea — it disappears quickly, and you’ll likely find yourself craving more!
As for my thoughts on this salad: I love using heirloom tomatoes because of their sweet flavor and beautiful colors like yellow and purple. Just aim for tomatoes that are firm but not hard. Finding good mozzarella or Burrata can sometimes be tricky, but with a little searching, you’ll find excellent options. Aged balsamic vinegar from Italy, especially if it’s thick, makes all the difference. You can spend a lot—over a hundred dollars—or find a quality one for much less, similar to how fine wine is priced. I recommend starting your search at Whole Foods.
Finish the salad with fresh basil leaves, a good drizzle of olive oil, aged balsamic, and a sprinkle of cracked pepper — it’s truly unforgettable! 
I recommend trying my garlic toast recipe to go along with this dish.              GillyCanCook_GarlicToast
PURCHASE NOTE: These are some of my favorite things, including the top-rated aged balsamic vinegar, 
 
 
 

 

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Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 10gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2g
Keyword addictive, basil, burrata, delicious, freash, healthy, mozzarella, refreshing, tomato
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!