Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Salad - Pinch Of Nom (2024)

FAQs

What is the simple Italian salad made of mozzarella tomatoes and basil? ›

Caprese Salad or Insalata Caprese is a simple salad of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes topped with basil and a splash of balsamic. A perfect end of summer appetizer or side dish, especially when tomatoes are at their peak.

Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, Caprese salad is definitely a healthy choice in my book! The ripe tomatoes are packed with vitamins and nutrients, while the olive oil and fresh mozzarella cheese provide healthy fats and some protein.

Health Benefits of Caprese Salad:

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cancer and heart disease. Mozzarella cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Basil leaves contain essential oils that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Caprese Salad is terrific served as a side for sharing, as a light meal with crusty bread or piled onto toast with smashed avocado. Fresh and delightful! So I make my Caprese Salad with a vinaigrette for the main dressing then drizzle it with a balsamic glaze for an extra burst burst of flavour just before serving.

For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

With its healthy fats from olive oil and satisfying protein content from mozzarella, Caprese salad helps in maintaining satiety, aiding weight loss efforts.

The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".

Burrata is a soft cheese ball with a creamy center, whereas caprese is a simple Italian salad that can be made with either burrata or fresh mozzarella. What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella? Burrata and mozzarella are both creamy, white, semi-soft Italian cheeses very similar in appearance.

The best side dishes to serve with caprese salad are garlic bread, bruschetta, grilled chicken, stuffed shells, baked ziti, gluten free bread, grilled vegetables, pesto pasta, Italian sausage, antipasto platter, focaccia, and risotto.

How are you supposed to eat caprese? ›

It stays fresher and it's really easy to use a fork to break your portion up into bite size pieces. Or just eat it with your hands! Another way to serve a Caprese style salad is to chop everything into bite-size pieces, toss with the olive oil and vinegar, and serve over a bed of lettuce or as a chilled pasta salad.

Sweet peppers like red, orange and yellow bells stand in for tomatoes in this caprese-style salad and pair deliciously with the fresh mozzarella and acidic balsamic drizzle. Try green bell peppers if you prefer less sweetness. This easy, healthy recipe takes just 20 minutes to make.

Serving salad after the main course of a meal is an older tradition in Italy, and nowadays it is usually observed at large and formal dinners rather than during everyday meals. Eating a salad after a meal can help digestion, while eating one before a meal may help discourage overeating.

As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “Salad of Capri.” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.

What is Caprese Salad? “Insalata Caprese” literally means “the salad of Capri” which is an Italian island. Caprese salad is typically made by layering slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, then seasoned to perfection, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sometimes a balsamic glaze.

The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".

As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “Salad of Capri.” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.