Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO)

I recently tried a recipe showing how to make Caprese Salad that captured my love for fresh, simple flavors. I layered tomato slices, mozzarella and basil, drizzling extra virgin olive oil and topping with a homemade balsamic glaze made from vinegar and a twist of sugar. The result is delightful and bright.

I recently tried this Caprese Salad recipe and I was blown away by how simple it was to make such a striking dish for dinner. I started off by slicing 4 ripe tomatoes about 1/4-inch thick and cutting 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese into even slices.

I added a generous handful of fresh basil leaves because I always feel they bring out a vibrant flavor in the salad. Then I drizzled 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkled in some salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

What really made this dish special was the homemade balsamic glaze. I reduced a cup of balsamic vinegar with 2-3 tablespoons of granulated sugar until it thickened into a sweet, tangy glaze perfect for drizzling.

This cool twist on a traditional Caprese turned it into a show stopper salad that works great as a refreshing meal for a crowd. Give it a try its insanely good!

Why I Like this Recipe

1) I love how the fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all come together in this recipe—they make each bite feel like a burst of summer on my tongue.
2) The homemade balsamic glaze is seriously a game changer; it’s super easy to whip up and tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff, adding a perfect sweet-and-tangy kick.
3) This recipe is quick and simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet it always impresses when I serve it to friends, making me feel like a pro in the kitchen.
4) I really enjoy how the different textures and flavors blend together perfectly—each bite gives me that great mix of juicy, creamy, crisp, and a little herby goodness.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Abundant vitamins and fiber with a natural, juicy sweetness that brightens the dish.
• Mozzarella: Provides protein and calcium, offering a creamy, mildly salty contrast.
• Basil: Infuses antioxidants and a fresh, aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
• Olive Oil: Loaded with heart-healthy fats, lending a smooth and rich finish.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Brings a tangy, sweet-sour burst that perfectly balances flavors.
• Sugar: Lightly sweetens the vinegar, rounding out the bold tangy notes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced about 1/4-inch thick
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced evenly
• A generous handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar

How to Make this

1. First, pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and add the sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally until it thickens into a syrupy glaze, about 10 to 15 minutes; then take it off the heat and let it cool.

2. While your glaze is cooling, wash the tomatoes and slice them into about 1/4-inch thick rounds.

3. Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese evenly into rounds that match the size of your tomato slices.

4. On a large serving plate, lay out the tomato slices in a single layer.

5. Next, arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the tomatoes.

6. Tuck a bunch of fresh basil leaves in between the tomato and cheese slices.

7. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously (about 2-3 tablespoons) over the salad, and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

8. Finally, drizzle your homemade balsamic glaze over the salad and serve immediately. Enjoy your Caprese Salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Wooden spoon
3. Stove or other heat source
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Large serving plate
7. Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ

Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO) Substitutions and Variations

• Fresh tomatoes: If you cant get perfectly ripe tomatoes, try heirloom or even cherry tomatoes, just slice them a bit thicker to help hold their shape.
• Fresh mozzarella: In a pinch, burrata or even a mild goat cheese can work, though the flavor will be a bit different.
• Fresh basil leaves: If basil is out of season or too pricey, fresh mint or arugula can bring a nice twist to the salad.
• Extra virgin olive oil: You can swap this with avocado oil or even a light olive oil if you dont have extra virgin on hand.
• Balsamic vinegar: For a milder taste, try mixing red wine vinegar with a tad extra sugar to mimic that sweet tang.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your balsamic glaze is completely cooled before adding it to the salad, or you might end up with melted cheese and soggy tomatoes.
2. Use a sharp, serrated knife when slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella so they keep their shape and don’t get squished up.
3. Taste your glaze as you go along—if you like it a bit sweeter or tangier, adjust the sugar or vinegar next time you make it.
4. Drizzle the olive oil and season the salad right before serving so that the flavors stay fresh and bright.