Description
This Caprese Salad recipe is a fresh and vibrant classic Italian dish featuring ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy mozzarella (plant-based). Easy to prepare in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish. Bright colors and natural flavors make it visually stunning and deliciously simple to enjoy.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes, 3-4 medium, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, 1 cup
- Mozzarella (plant-based), 8 oz, sliced
Dressing and Seasoning
- Extra virgin olive oil (natural), 2-3 tbsp
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- Balsamic glaze (natural), 1-2 tbsp (optional)
- Grape juice, splash (optional alternative to balsamic glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and slice the ripe tomatoes into even, medium-thick rounds. Gently wash the basil leaves and pat them dry, keeping them whole to preserve their flavor. Slice the mozzarella (plant-based) into similar thickness as the tomatoes for balanced layering.
- Layer Your Salad: On a large platter or individual plates, alternate layers of tomato slices, mozzarella (plant-based), and basil leaves. Arrange them slightly overlapping to create a colorful, textured presentation.
- Dress and Season: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil (natural) generously over the salad. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For added sweetness and tang, drizzle balsamic glaze (natural) or a splash of grape juice over the top.
- Serve Fresh: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors. Optionally, chill for 15 minutes if a cooler salad is preferred, but avoid leaving it longer to keep basil fresh.
Notes
- Use the freshest tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella (plant-based) for best flavor.
- Slice tomatoes evenly and thinly for easy layering and attractive presentation.
- Do not overdress; a light drizzle of olive oil (natural) and balsamic glaze (natural) enhances flavor without drowning the salad.
- Serve promptly to enjoy basil’s crispness and tomato’s texture.
- Add basil chiffonade for extra herbal aroma, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Caprese Salad, Italian Salad, Plant-Based Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Tomato Salad, Quick Salad, Vegan Appetizer
