Description
Summer’s most elegant appetizer, balsamic strawberry caprese, brings Mediterranean charm to your table with sweet-tangy strawberries and creamy mozzarella. Fresh basil and rich balsamic glaze elevate this classic Italian salad into a sophisticated seasonal sensation you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Caprese Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (710 ml) strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella ciliegine, sliced into halves
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh basil, chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic vinegar
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel until ingredients transform into a harmonious emulsion.
- Slice fresh strawberries into delicate segments and gather mozzarella ciliegine with freshly chopped basil leaves in a spacious culinary bowl.
- Cascade the prepared vinaigrette over the salad components, employing a gentle folding technique to ensure each ingredient receives an elegant coating without compromising structural integrity.
- For optimal flavor development, allow the assembled caprese to rest briefly in the refrigerator for approximately 10-15 minutes, permitting the ingredients to intermingle and intensify their collective essence.
- Present the chilled salad immediately, garnishing with additional basil leaves if desired, creating a visually appealing and palate-refreshing dish perfect for warm-weather dining.
Notes
- Marinate the mozzarella in the balsamic vinaigrette beforehand to intensify the flavor absorption and create a more complex taste profile.
- Choose ripe, in-season strawberries for the most vibrant and sweet flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella and tangy balsamic.
- Opt for fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their bright green color and prevent wilting, ensuring maximum aromatic impact.
- Customize the dish by adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and a nutty dimension that elevates the overall texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg