Alex and I visited the island of Capri on our honeymoon and one of our fondest memories is eating this salad. So every summer when the tomatoes are peak, we make copious amounts of the stuff. Here’s how to make the perfect Caprese salad! Who invented this popular salad? The first mention of Caprese salad was on a 1920’s menu from Hotel Quisisana, a 5 star hotel on the island of Capri. The salad didn’t catch on until the 1950’s, when King Farouk of Egypt visited Capri and tried it as a sandwich. He raved about it, and it caught on and became the international sensation that it is today!
Use only juicy, perfectly ripe tomatoes. Do not even think about making this recipe outside of tomato season. Buy ripe and juicy tomatoes only: and local tomatoes if possible! A farmers market is a great place to shop. Garden tomatoes get even more points. Heirloom tomatoes add nuance in flavor and variation in color. Heirloom tomatoes are a variety that has been passed down, through several generations of a family by saving the seeds. Each type of heirloom tomato has a different flavor and a beautiful color, from red to green to yellow to purple. Get creative and use heirlooms if you like!
Find best quality fresh mozzarella. Opt for a mid-price range fresh mozzarella that you can find at your grocery cheese counter. If you have a local creamery and you can buy some at the farmers market, even better! Amp it up with burrata cheese. Burrata cheese is fresh mozzarella with cream inside, and man is it rich and decadent! It’s perfect for Caprese salad with a little twist (or use it for Burrata Salad). Slice these in rounds or tear it into pieces. Caprese salad is often served with rounds of mozzarella cheese. But we like to tear it up into pieces: it makes it easier to eat and looks more interesting.
Bring to a boil: Place ½ cup or more balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Simmer: Simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes until the quantity has reduced in half and it coats the back of a spoon. Cool: Remove from the heat, then transfer to a separate container to cool.
Try a Caprese Sandwich, layering the ingredients of a caprese salad with pesto aioli. Opt for Caprese Pasta Salad, adding noodles to the mix for a summery side dish. Thread the ingredients onto skewers to make Caprese Skewers. Make a quick pizza with Caprese Flatbread.
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