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To Caprese Salad is a traditional dish of Italian cuisine, originating from the Campania region, especially the island of Capri. Known for its simplicity and freshness, the recipe combines only a few ingredients, but in a harmonious and delicious way. The union of tomato, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil and salt results in an explosion of flavors that evoke the sensation of a light and refreshing meal, perfect for summer or as a starter for a more elaborate dinner.

Here, we will teach you the classic Caprese Salad recipe, with tips to make it even more delicious and delicious.

Ingredients

4 tomates maduros, preferencialmente orgânicos (de preferência tomates tipo “coração de boi” ou “italiano”)
200g of buffalo mozzarella (or fresh mozzarella)
Fresh leaves of basil (approximately 10 large sheets)
Extra virgin olive oil (3 to 4 tablespoons)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste (optional)
Balsamic vinegar (optional, for a special touch)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Wash the tomatoes well: Corte os tomates em rodelas finas ou em fatias mais grossas, conforme sua preferência. Se optar por tomates grandes, como os “coração de boi”, você pode cortar em 4 partes, em fatias horizontais.
Slice the mozzarella: Cut the buffalo mozzarella into slices the same size as the tomato slices. If you prefer, you can shred it or cut it into large cubes, but slices tend to maintain the classic presentation.
Prepare the basil: Wash the basil leaves well and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can leave them whole or tear up large leaves to scatter around the dish.

2. Assembling the Salad

On a large platter or serving plate, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately, in an interleaved manner. You can make a circular formation or in lines, whichever you like best visually.
Distribute the basil leaves between the tomato and cheese slices, generously, so that the basil flavor is well incorporated.

3. Finishing

Drizzle the salad with the extra virgin olive oil. Use a spoon to measure the olive oil and spread it evenly over the ingredients.
Season with salt to taste, preferably coarse sea salt to give it a special touch. If you like, add a pinch of black pepper freshly ground for extra flavor.
If you want a more sophisticated finishing touch, spray some balsamic vinegar over the salad, or even a reduced balsamic (Heat the balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half, creating a thick, sweet sauce.) This adds a sweet contrast to the dish, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

4. Serving

Caprese Salad can be served immediately or left in the refrigerator for a few minutes, but always at room temperature to preserve the freshness of the ingredients.

Extra Tips:

For an even more sophisticated version, you can add parma ham or even olive as a complement.
If buffalo mozzarella is not available, you can substitute it with another type of fresh cheese, such as ricotta or the goat cheese. But, without a doubt, mozzarella brings a unique touch to the recipe.
If you want a more substantial dish, add arugula or lettuce based on the salad.

The secret of Caprese Salad lies in its simplicity. By combining fresh, high-quality ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella and fragrant basil, the dish manages to enhance flavors in a natural way. It is a dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, where less is more.

In addition, this salad is nutritious and light, rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants and healthy proteins. Olive oil contributes good fats and basil, in addition to its unique flavor, is a medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory properties.

Because it is so simple and tasty, Caprese Salad is perfect for many occasions: from a relaxed lunch to a more elaborate dinner meal. It can be served as a starter, side dish or even a main course for those looking for a light and healthy option.