Introduction to Summery Caprese Salad
Tomatoes hit their stride in midsummer when they burst with sun-ripened sweetness. There’s no better way to enjoy these beauties than at their peak and prepared in the simplest way to let them shine. A caprese salad does just that.
The Classic Caprese Salad
Named after the Italian island of Capri, a caprese salad is composed of just a few key ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil, drizzled with olive oil and lightly seasoned with salt and black pepper. Its simplicity highlights each component at its freshest, resulting in a no-cook dish that’s summer on a plate.
A Summery Twist on the Classic
This recipe is essentially a caprese salad — with a few tweaks. A selection of your favorite tomatoes is encouraged. This might include colorful heirlooms, snappy Early Girls or sweet grape and sun gold cherry tomatoes. Any combination is game. Choose a high-quality buffalo mozzarella for its lusciously soft and creamy texture. Gnarly Jimmy Nardello peppers are an extra summery addition to the salad. These long, skinny red peppers are sweet and mild. They add peppery depth and crunchy contrast to the juicy tomatoes and supple mozzarella. Freshly torn basil leaves release their aroma into the mix, and a rich balsamic vinaigrette laces the salad.
Summery Caprese Salad Recipe
Servings: 4 to 5
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar
1 small garlic clove, grated
Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salad
1 1/2 to 2 pounds mixed tomatoes, such as Early Girls, Brandywines, Cherokee Purples, cherry and grape tomatoes
2 Jimmy Nardello peppers, sliced, seeded
1 (8-ounce) buffalo mozzarella
Kosher salt
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until emulsified (or place in a small jar, seal the jar and shake vigorously to emulsify).
Cut the large tomatoes into bite-size wedges and chunks. Halve any grape or cherry tomatoes.
Slice the peppers into 1/4-inch rings.
Drain and tear the mozzarella into bite-size pieces.
Spread the tomatoes and peppers in a wide, shallow serving bowl or platter. Lightly season with salt.
Scatter the mozzarella and basil over the tomatoes.
Drizzle with half of the dressing. Garnish with black pepper. Serve with the remaining dressing for drizzling.
Lynda Balslev is an award-winning writer, cookbook author and recipe developer, and authors the blog TasteFood.
Conclusion
The Summery Caprese Salad is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic Italian dish. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion. The addition of Jimmy Nardello peppers and balsamic vinaigrette gives the salad a unique flavor and texture that’s sure to impress.
FAQs
Q: What type of tomatoes are best for the Summery Caprese Salad?
A: Any combination of colorful heirlooms, snappy Early Girls or sweet grape and sun gold cherry tomatoes works well.
Q: Can I substitute the buffalo mozzarella with another type of cheese?
A: While other types of mozzarella can be used, buffalo mozzarella is recommended for its lusciously soft and creamy texture.
Q: How far in advance can I prepare the Summery Caprese Salad?
A: It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to ensure the freshest flavors and textures.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the Summery Caprese Salad?
A: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients, but be sure not to overpower the simplicity and freshness of the original ingredients.
