Caprese Salad + 3 Italian Secrets

Hello, dear friends of Paulina Cocina! Today we are going to tell you all about one of my favorite salads of all time: the Caprese SaladThe perfect combination of flavours with three simple ingredients. Yet another example of how, even in the kitchen, less is more!

This dish is not only a feast for the palate, but also for the eyes, due to its intense colors. Let’s take a culinary tour through the history of the Italian Caprese Saladthe reasons for its ingredients and the best ideas for dressings to give it more flavor.

We will also leave you with other variants of ingredients that you can experiment with, tips and tricks for preparing it, accompaniments to enjoy it and a caprese salad recipe to do at home and feel a little like Sofia Loren.

About Caprese Salad

The caprese salad It 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.

Los Essential ingredients of caprese salad are: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and an essential good quality extra virgin olive oil. The combination of these elements is a magic of flavors and textures, representing the colors of the Italian flag: red, white and green.

Five attributes of the quintessential Italian salad

1. Simple: With only a few ingredients, it is easy and quick to prepare.
2. Fresh: Ideal for hot summer days, this tomato and mozzarella salad It is refreshing and light.
3. SatiatingThe combination of ingredients makes it, in itself, a complete and nutritious dish.
4. Versatile: The Italian Caprese Salad It can be served as a starter, main course or as a side dish.
5. Aesthetics: Its bright colors make it an attractive option that beautifies any table.

Where does caprese salad come from?

The caprese salad, As we mentioned earlier, it owes its name to the island of Capri, located in the Campania region of Italy. It is believed to have originated around 1920, when an Italian patriot decided to create a dish that represented the colors of the flag with three very native ingredients: red tomatoes, white mozzarella and green basil.

Since then this salad became 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

1. With burrata: Classic mozzarella can be substituted with the irresistible burrata for a creamier texture.
2. With pesto: Nothing better than a good homemade pesto sauce to intensify the flavor of the salad.
3. With strawberries: Be careful with this sweet and summery version that may surprise your palate.
4. With avocado: A few pieces of avocado add creaminess and a Latin American touch to the classic caprese.
5. With dried tomatoes: The caprese salad recipe Using dehydrated tomatoes instead of traditional tomatoes gives it a delicious twist.

What is the traditional Caprese dressing?

He classic dressing of the caprese salad It’s as simple as olive oil extra virgin (EVOO)pepper and salt. However, some variants include balsamic vinegarwhich gives it a touch of acidity contrasting 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 a few basil leaves to give it a super intense flavor and aroma.
• Mustard Vinaigrette: A nice vinaigrette with mustard, lemon and soy sauce, for a spicy touch. 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. Buffalo or cow mozzarella can be used, according to taste. The tomatoes can be vine tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, which have a more pleasant flavour.
• Cut 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 dressing: Don’t over-season. Less is more to bring out the natural flavours.
• Room temperature: Remove the salad from the refrigerator a little while before serving, so that the flavors can stand out.
• Flake salt: Add a pinch of flaky salt just before serving for extra texture and flavor.

Perfect accompaniments for caprese salad

1. Bread slipper: It is perfect for dipping in tomato juice and olive oil.
2. White wine: A fresh Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the flavors.
3. Cold soups: Like a gazpacho, for a light and refreshing meal.
4. Pasta with pesto: For a good Italian lunch or dinner.
5. Prosecco: A bubbly and festive option that pairs well with the ingredients of the caprese salad.

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Caprese Salad Recipe

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 ripe tomatoes or 500 g cherry tomatoes
• 120 grams of fior di latte mozzarella (meatball or morsel)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt (optional in flakes)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Oregano (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

How to make caprese salad in 3 simple steps

1. Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella to taste, trying to make them similar in size, and place them on a plate, alternating the order.
2. Incorporate the basil leaves between the slices.
3. Dress with a little extra virgin olive oil, salt and black pepper. Optionally, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or make a vinaigrette by mixing the seasonings.