Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy fresh Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a homemade sweet balsamic glaze, perfect for summer and light meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium-sized ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, sliced thick
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (buffalo mozzarella recommended)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- Salt to taste (sea salt or kosher salt preferred)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: Pour ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons (30 g) brown sugar or honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer gently until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- On a serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, slightly overlapping each. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
- Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle the cooled sweet balsamic glaze over the salad.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for up to one hour before serving. Bring back to room temperature to enjoy full flavors.
Notes
Use firm, ripe tomatoes for best flavor and avoid overripe to prevent sogginess. Pat tomatoes dry if too watery. Do not rush balsamic reduction to avoid burning. Use a sharp knife to slice ingredients cleanly. For vegan version, substitute mozzarella with cashew-based vegan cheese or firm tofu. Store components separately if preparing ahead and add glaze and olive oil just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Caprese salad, balsamic glaze, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, summer salad, easy recipe, Italian appetizer