Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a easy Italian dish that brings authentic flavors and traditional cooking techniques to your kitchen. This recipe combines carefully selected ingredients with time-tested preparation methods to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe provides clear guidance and helpful tips to ensure success every time you prepare it.

This caprese salad recipe requires 10 minutes of preparation time and 0 minutes of cooking time, making the total time investment approximately 10 minutes. The recipe yields 4 generous servings perfect for an intimate meal. The straightforward preparation process makes this an excellent choice for weeknight cooking or when you want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.

The foundation of exceptional caprese salad begins with selecting quality ingredients. This recipe calls for 7 carefully chosen components that work harmoniously together. 2 large tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, 12 leaves basil form the essential base of this dish, providing the primary flavors and structural foundation. Authentic Italian ingredients like fresh herbs, quality olive oil, and aged cheeses elevate the traditional flavors. When shopping for ingredients, look for the freshest produce and highest quality proteins to ensure the best results.

The cooking process for caprese salad follows 5 essential steps, each designed to build flavor and achieve the perfect texture. The straightforward technique makes this accessible even for beginners, with clear milestones to help you track your progress. The quick cooking time preserves the fresh flavors and vibrant colors of the ingredients. The process begins with slice tomatoes and mozzarella, establishing the foundation for all subsequent steps. The middle stages involve 3 key techniques that transform raw ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful dish. The final steps bring everything together, allowing you to adjust seasoning and presentation for optimal results.

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal with enough for everyone to enjoy. Consider doubling the recipe if you want leftovers for lunch. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, 12g of protein, 8g of carbohydrates, and 16g of fat, making it a lighter option that fits well into calorie-conscious meal plans. The Vegetarian nature of this recipe makes it suitable for those following specific dietary guidelines.

For best results, gather all ingredients before you begin cooking to maintain momentum throughout the preparation. This forgiving recipe allows for ingredient substitutions and timing flexibility, making it perfect for experimentation. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wine to complete the authentic Italian experience.