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The Caprese salad, a quintessential Italian dish, is renowned for its simplicity and freshness. Originating from the beautiful island of Capri, it embodies the essence of Italian cuisine: using high-quality ingredients to create something truly delightful. Traditionally, this salad consists of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper. Its vibrant colors—red, white, and green—represent the Italian flag, making it not just a dish but a celebration of Italian culture.

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Discover the art of summer dining with the Fresh Caprese Symphony with Balsamic Harmony! This elevated take on the classic Caprese salad features juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for BBQs or dinner parties, it's a vibrant dish that’s simple to prepare yet stunning to present. Explore the flavors and health benefits of this Italian favorite and impress your guests with this delightful medley!
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Ingredients
  

4 ripe heirloom tomatoes (assorted colors)

8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella)

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Allow the mixture to reduce by half, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly, approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

    Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: On a cutting board, slice the heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick slices. Aim for uniformity so they stack neatly.

      Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter, alternate layers of tomato slices and mozzarella slices. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between layers for a colorful appearance and aromatic flavor.

        Drizzle with Olive Oil: Once your salad is beautifully arranged, drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top.

          Season the salad: Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper over everything to enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and cheese.

            Add the Balsamic Glaze: Finally, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the entire salad, allowing it to cascade over the tomatoes and mozzarella. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle the red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

              Serve: Let the salad rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your Fresh Caprese Symphony with Balsamic Harmony!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 30 minutes (including glaze cooling) | 4 servings