Hello, dear friends of Paulina Cocina! Today we're going to tell you all about one of my all-time favorite salads: the Caprese Salad . The perfect combination of flavors with three simple ingredients. Yet another example that, even in the kitchen, less is more!
This dish is not only a feast for the palate, but also for the eyes, thanks to its intense colors. Let's take a culinary tour through the history of the Italian Caprese salad , the reasons behind its ingredients, and the best dressing ideas to add even more flavor.
We'll also give you other ingredient variations you can experiment with, tips and tricks for preparing it, side dishes to enjoy, and a caprese salad recipe you can make at home and feel a little like Sophia Loren.
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About the caprese salad
Caprese salad is a classic of Italian cuisine that has conquered palates around the world. This dish, originally from the beautiful island of Capri, is characterized by its simplicity and freshness.
The essential ingredients of a Caprese salad are ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and, of course, high-quality extra virgin olive oil. The combination of these elements is a magical blend of flavors and textures, representing the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green.
Five attributes of the quintessential Italian salad
- Simple : With just a few ingredients, it is easy and quick to prepare.
- Fresh : Ideal for hot summer days, this tomato and mozzarella salad is refreshing and light.
- Satisfying : The combination of ingredients makes it, in itself, a complete and nutritious dish.
- Versatile: Italian Caprese salad can be served as a starter, main course, or as a side dish.
- Aesthetics: Its bright colors make it an attractive option that beautifies any table.
Where did the caprese salad originate?
The Caprese salad, as mentioned earlier, takes its name from the island of Capri, located in the Campania region of Italy. It's believed to have originated around 1920, when an Italian patriot decided to create a dish that represented the colors of the flag with three native ingredients: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil.
Since then, this salad has become very popular all over the world and has become a symbol of Italian cuisine for the beauty of its contrasting colors, the quality of its ingredients, and the harmony of its flavors.
5 Original Variations of Italian Caprese Salad
- With burrata : Classic mozzarella can be substituted with the irresistible burrata for a creamier texture.
- With pesto: Nothing better than a good pesto sauce to intensify the flavor of the salad.
- With strawberries : Be careful with this sweet and summery version that may surprise palates.
- With avocado : A few pieces of avocado add creaminess and a Latin American touch to the classic caprese.
- With sun-dried tomatoes: The Caprese salad recipe uses sun-dried tomatoes instead of traditional tomatoes for a delicious twist.
What is the traditional dressing for Caprese?
The classic Caprese salad is as simple as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) , pepper, and salt. However, some variations include balsamic vinegar , which adds a touch of acidity that contrasts with the sweetness of the tomato and the creaminess of the mozzarella.
Other dressing options
- Lemon Vinaigrette : Mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper for a citrus touch.
- Basil oil: Infuse olive oil with some basil leaves to give it a super intense flavor and aroma.
- Mustard Vinaigrette : A good vinaigrette with mustard, lemon, and soy sauce for a spicy note. You can also add honey if you want it sweeter.
Tips and tricks for making the best Caprese salad
- Use quality ingredients: The freshness and quality of the tomatoes and mozzarella are crucial. You can use buffalo or cow's milk mozzarella, depending on your taste. The tomatoes can be vine-ripened or cherry, which have a more mellow flavor.
- Slicing evenly: Cutting ingredients into uniform slices is key to an attractive and colorful presentation, making sure they are neither too small nor too large.
- Be careful with the seasoning : Don't over-season. Less is more to bring out the natural flavors.
- Room temperature: Take the salad out of the refrigerator a little while beforehand, so that the flavors stand out.
- Flake salt: Add a touch of flaked salt just before serving for extra texture and flavor.
Perfect accompaniments to Caprese salad
- Ciabatta bread : It is perfect for dipping in tomato juice and olive oil.
- White wine : A crisp Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the flavors.
- Cold soups : Like gazpacho, for a light and refreshing meal.
- Pesto pasta : For a truly Italian lunch or dinner.
- Prosecco : A bubbly and festive option that pairs well with the ingredients in Caprese salad.
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Caprese Salad Recipe
Yield: 2 portions
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes or 500 g cherry tomatoes
- 120 grams of fior di latte mozzarella (polpetta or bocconcino)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt (optional flakes)
- Newly ground black pepper
- Oregano (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
How to Make Caprese Salad in 3 Simple Steps
- Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella to your liking, trying to keep them similar in size, and place them on a plate, alternating the order.
- Add the basil leaves between the slices.
- Dress with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or make a vinaigrette by mixing the seasonings.
