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This simple and perfect Caprese salad makes for a great dinner or side dish. Topped with fresh basil and a simple balsamic glaze.

Nothing excites me more than when my herbs start coming in. My summer meals always have so much more flavor because I top them with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary.

This traditional caprese salad is an Italian favorite with creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, big ripe, plump fresh tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle on a balsamic reduction and a sprinkling of salt and black pepper for the perfect snack or dinner.

Caprese salad or as it is known in Italy, insalata caprese, is an Italian salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt, and extra virgin olive oil.

How to Make a Classic Caprese Salad Recipe

When picking the best tomatoes for this salad, I like to use Heirloom tomatoes since they have the best flavor in my opinion.

A salad like this with these easy fresh ingredients is the best one to make for any meal —

• 5 to 7 slices of tomatoes
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella
• 10-12 fragrant basil leaves
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• flaky sea salt and pepper for garnish
• Extra-virgin olive oil for finishing

On a serving platter, layer the tomato slices, fresh mozzarella slices, and the basil alternately. Then, drizzle on the balsamic vinegar and the best olive oil to finish. For the final touch, sprinkle on the salt and fresh black pepper for garnish.

What Type of Mozzarella Cheese Goes Best in a Caprese Salad

There are a few types of ways you can make a Caprese salad, but the only cheese you should be using for this type is fresh mozzarella.

Shredded mozzarella or block mozzarella should never be used because it is hard mozzarella cheese. Fresh is creamy and soft making it the perfect cheese for this simple salad.

You can use the whole ball of fresh creamy mozzarella or you can use mozzarella pearls. If you use the little mozzarella balls, I would also use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.

What Herbs Go Best in a Caprese Salad

For a Caprese salad, the best herb to use is Basil. For this one, I had purple Basil and regular Basil growing so I chose to use both.

Dried basil will not work in this dish. If you don't have basil growing in your pallet herb garden, you can buy it at the store in the pack. Just make sure it is fresh basil.

So, to put the salad together, slice the tomatoes and set them aside. Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese and set it aside.

Pull the leaves off of the basil and set them aside. Now, let's make a delicious balsamic reduction sauce to go over the top!

How to Make Balsamic Reduction

To make a balsamic reduction, all you need is a really good balsamic vinegar. Now, balsamic vinegar has this pungent taste to it just straight out of the bottle.

But, if you heat it in a saucepan over medium heat and let it reduce by 1/4, it becomes like a sweet syrup instead of pungent vinegar.

It is the perfect sauce over strawberries, watermelon, and this easy Caprese salad. The next time you make this salad, make sure to add a drizzle of olive oil over the top. It adds the perfect note of flavor to it.

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