Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad Recipe is a fresh and easy recipe, which is made with ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. It’s an ideal side dish, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups balsamic vinegar
- 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced thick
- 12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thick
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad Recipe
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat. Let it simmer and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, until the vinegar has reduced and thickened into a syrupy glaze. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter, arrange the thick slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella, alternating them in an overlapping pattern. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between the slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle a good quality olive oil over the entire platter. Next, drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the top. Finish with a generous sprinkling of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Recipe Tips
- How to make the best balsamic glaze? The key is patience. Keep the heat on a low simmer and don’t rush the process. Reducing it too quickly can cause it to burn. It’s ready when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- What kind of tomatoes are best for Caprese? Use the best, ripest tomatoes you can find. In-season heirloom, beefsteak, or vine-ripened tomatoes have the best flavor and texture for this simple salad.
- Can I use a different type of mozzarella? For a true Caprese salad, you must use fresh mozzarella, which is soft and packed in water or whey. Low-moisture block mozzarella will not have the right creamy texture. For an extra decadent version, you can use fresh burrata.
- How to keep basil fresh? Add the basil leaves just before serving. Drizzling them with a little olive oil can also help prevent them from browning too quickly.
What To Serve With Caprese Salad
This classic salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many main courses.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- Crusty bread for soaking up the juices
- A simple pasta dish
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
How To Store Caprese Salad
- Refrigerate: Caprese salad is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day, but be aware that the texture of the tomatoes will suffer, and the basil will wilt. The balsamic glaze can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for several weeks.
Caprese Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is Caprese salad healthy?
Yes, it can be a healthy choice. It’s rich in vitamins from the tomatoes, calcium from the mozzarella, and healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a fresh, whole-food-based dish.
Can I make Caprese salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble it right before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture. You can, however, make the balsamic glaze up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Why is my balsamic glaze not thickening?
It most likely just needs more time. It can take up to 20 minutes of gentle simmering for the vinegar to reduce by about half and become a thick, syrupy glaze. Be patient and keep the heat low.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Three Bean Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mexican Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Ham Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad Recipe
Description
A simple, elegant, and classic Caprese salad featuring layers of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently simmer the balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan for 10-20 minutes until it reduces to a thick glaze. Let cool.
- Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
- Drizzle the salad with olive oil and the cooled balsamic glaze.
- Season with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUse the best quality, in-season tomatoes you can find for the most flavorful salad.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eA low and slow simmer is the secret to a perfect balsamic glaze that doesn’t burn.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis salad is best assembled just before serving to ensure the ingredients are at their freshest.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFresh mozzarella packed in water is essential for the authentic creamy texture of this dish.u003c/liu003e
