Insalata Caprese
Insalata Caprese is simply Caprese Salad (literally translated salad in the style of Capri) It comes from the region of Campania in Italy & it just might be the simplest dish you’ve ever put together. But don’t let the simple fool you, it’s full of flavor & oh so good for you. You don’t have to feel guilty about over indulging in this one.
You can serve them as I have in the picture above, sliced & layered oh so architecturally, or if you prefer a much more rustic version, you can arrange the slices on a platter - equally beautiful and just as tasty.
If you wanted to shake things up you could also use Roma Tomatoes and skewers for a FAB presentation. Simply cut your Roma tomatoes in half, and place a small ball of mozzarella (small balls of mozzarella are called bocconcini) in between each tomato half. Scattering the basil throughout the skewers & seasoning with s/p & oil. Very visually appealing and you’ll def be the hostess with the mostess. The skewers make a perfect appetizer for parties or make a great dish for a light lunch!
And don’t skimp and buy the large rectangular mozzarella cheese you’ll find in the refrigerated section. OH NO! for this one you truly need the authentic fresh mozzarella balls. There is a HUGE difference & your mouth will thank you! I could literally eat the entire mozzarella ball all by itself (& yes, you know I have! LOL)
What you’ll need:
2-4 large ripe fresh tomatoes
1-2 balls of fresh mozzarella cheese
1 bunch of fresh basil
extra virgin olive oil
s/p
What to do:
Slice your tomatoes evenly, season with salt & pepper. Slice your fresh mozzarella evenly & layer cheese on top of your tomatoes. Place fresh basil leaves throughout. Drizzle olive oil on top & enjoy!
Buon Appetito!
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Caprese! Yay! An absolute classic. I can honestly say, this is my favorite preparation involving cheese. Period. And one of my favorites with tomatoes. SO good. Love your presentation here, too. Sometimes the simple recipes are the best.
Oh, so simple, but so delicious! Question: Could I instead use heirloom tomatoes and use smoked mozzarella and have it tasting as good as you made it, or do you highly recommend the roma’s and regular mozzarella?
This is one of my all-time favorite foods! I’ve never made it stacked like yours… something new to try!
It’s a little thing, but, I just love the idea of stacking it up. I have been laying mine out flat. I know it’s not authentic, but sometimes I cheat and add a splash of balsamic vinegar or some Parmesan cheese.
This has always been a favorite of mine. Maybe I’m a rube but have always included a dash of balsamic vinegar with the EVO.
Great stacked presentation by the way.
My mum is OBSESSED with caprese salad at the moment - she went to Italy a few weeks ago on holiday - but I’ve never seen it stacked up like this… so much more impressive! I’ll demonstrate it to her, heh.
This is my favorite part of summer, seriously!! I can’t wait for the big heirloom tomatoes!
A nice new twist on a classic recipe, Love the stack, the photo is beautiful. I will try the skewers this Saturday night. Thanks for posting, I really enjoy your blog. Pam
We have Caprese salad at least once a week during the warmer months, but always with Mozzarella di Bufala Campagna DOP which is much creamier than regular fresh mozzarella. It is my favorite summer lunch!
Your photo is very pretty!
Gorgeous presentation Paula! Insalata Caprese is so perfect during the season of ripe tomatoes and yes, fresh mozz is the only way to go! I like your creativity of using skewers for a change too! Blessings, Roz (bella)
As usual, the picture is beautiful and the recipe looks delicious! Wonder why sometimes we spend hours cooking whereas heaven is as close as slices of tomatoes, mozarella and herbs! Congrats!
I just make this last night with tomatoes. Heck next to canning tomatoes the major reason why I plant tomatoes.
I like to add a dash of balsamic vinegar over top of it too.
[...] the original post: Insalata Caprese Monday, July 20th, 2009 at 10:01 Tags: and-1-inch, campania, comes-from, foreclosed, good-for, [...]
Can’t wait until tomatoes are in season here in Madison, WI. One of my favorite salads of all time. Love the “napoleon” style of yours!
Nice blog and some great recipes! Thank you
oh that is pretty! you should submit it to my photo contest http://heywhatsfordinnermom.blogspot.com/ for details
What a simple and delicious salad, perfect for the summer months.Figtreeapps
Gorgeous picture! I love the simplicity of caprese salads.
I want to eat this right off the screen. I love caprese salad and your presentation is rustic and beautiful.
i make this all the time but i also use yellow heirloms thay are so tasty and i always use buffalo mozzerella….and of course i grow my own basil..this is a wonderful photo..
I LOVE this salad. I craved (and ate) it daily when I was pregnant with my 2nd daughter. She just turned 2, and although I don’t eat it every day, I often crave it. So cool & satisfying especially on a hot day - and I love the stacked version!
Great pictures! Good ideea to have that share & review gadget at the end of the article.
Keep up the good work! Love your blog :*
Ahhh, one of my summer faves and reminds me of my days in Italy and the Almalfi Coast (including day trips to Capri!).
And using the fresh summer tomatoes & basil, good extra olive oil and yes the REAL mozzarella!
Thanks for making my mouth water….off to prepare some of this!
[...] Insalata Caprese From Bell’alimento [...]
[...] few weeks ago I saw this recipe by bell’alimento and I knew I needed to reproduce ASAP. So after a quick trip to the store [...]
That’s a great presentation for a classic dish. I’m so stealing that. Kudos.
I love love love this salad. I chow down every summer. And yes, I COULD eat the entire mozzarella ball myself. I also like to add a touch of vinegar and sugar to mine. Mmmm.
Insalata caprese is one of my all-time favorite summer recipes. Thanks for posting!
Pieter
Grazie Pieter! It’s one of mine too
Insalata Caprese is my all-time favorite as well! I absolutely love basil, and this salad is simply divine with all the flavors mixing together… Mmm, I want some now! =)
Ciao Leyla! It’s so simple but so flavorful! Love it! Pefect with a nice juicy tomato & I ALWAYS have Basil. Can’t get enough of that herb!