Description
Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant Italian dish featuring juicy ripe tomatoes, creamy plant-based mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Enhanced with a natural apple cider vinegar dressing and extra virgin olive oil, this simple yet flavorful salad is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes, firm and juicy – 3 large
- Fresh basil leaves – 1 cup
- Mozzarella (plant-based), sliced – 8 oz
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) – 2 tablespoons
- Extra virgin olive oil (natural) – 3 tablespoons
- Sea salt – to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste
Optional Variations
- Heirloom tomato mix – 3 cups, assorted colors
- Balsamic reduction drizzle (natural) – 2 tablespoons
- Avocado slices – 1 medium avocado
- Toasted pine nuts – 1/4 cup
- Thinly sliced peaches or strawberries – 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella (plant-based): Wash the ripe tomatoes thoroughly and slice them into medium-thick rounds. Slice the plant-based mozzarella into similar-sized rounds to ensure even layering with the tomatoes.
- Layer the Ingredients: On a large platter or individual plates, alternate the slices of tomato and mozzarella. Tuck fresh basil leaves between these layers so that their aroma and flavor distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the salad evenly with apple cider vinegar (natural) and extra virgin olive oil (natural), making sure every slice gets some dressing. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the top to season the salad perfectly.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors meld together and lets the dressing soak gently into the tomatoes and mozzarella (plant-based).
Notes
- Choose the freshest and ripest tomatoes and vibrant basil leaves for the best flavor.
- Use ingredients at room temperature to enhance flavor development.
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella evenly for better presentation and ease of eating.
- Use a light drizzle of dressing to keep the natural flavors shining through.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper just before serving to maintain its bold aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Caprese Salad, plant-based mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, vegan appetizer, Italian salad
