Restaurants›Aurora Italiana›Caprese Recipe

Caprese Recipe

Name: Aurora Italianas CAPRESE Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 piece D.O.P. buffalo mozzarella; 2 medium Heirloom tomatoes (mixed colors); 12 leaves Fresh basil leaves; 3 tbs Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO); 1 tsp Sea salt (fine) or flaky; 1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs Balsamic reduction (optional); 0.5 cups Microgreens or baby arugula (optional); 0.5 tsp Lemon zest (optional)

Inspired by Aurora Italiana

Time20m

Serves2

d.o.p buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomato fresh basil, evoo

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Ingredients

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Insalata

1 piece D.O.P. buffalo mozzarella2 medium Heirloom tomatoes (mixed colors)12 leaves Fresh basil leaves3 tbs Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)1 tsp Sea salt (fine) or flaky1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper1 tbs Balsamic reduction (optional)

Garnish / Finish

1/2 cups Microgreens or baby arugula (optional)1/2 tsp Lemon zest (optional)

Method

Insalata

Prepare mozzarella

Remove the D.O.P. buffalo mozzarella from the refrigerator 15–20 minutes before serving to come to near-room temperature. Pat dry gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If the mozzarella is a large ball, slice into 6–8 even slices about 1/3"–1/2" thick.

Prepare tomatoes

Wash the heirloom tomatoes and pat dry. Slice each tomato into 1/4"–1/2" thick rounds or medium wedges depending on shape. Try to keep slices uniform so the plating is neat and each bite has tomato and mozzarella.

Assemble salad

On a serving plate or individual plates, arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella in a single overlapping row or circle (classic caprese). Tuck fresh basil leaves between slices and on top, distributing evenly so there is basil with every bite.

Season and oil

Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged tomatoes and mozzarella (about 2–3 tablespoons total). Sprinkle the sea salt evenly — if using flaky sea salt, do it lightly to avoid over-salting. Grind the black pepper over the top.

Optional balsamic finish

If using a balsamic reduction, drizzle about 1 tablespoon in a light zig-zag over the salad or make several small dots around the plate. This adds sweetness and visual contrast but is optional to keep a traditional flavor profile.

Garnish / Finish

If using microgreens or baby arugula, scatter them lightly around or on top of the salad for color and a peppery lift (about 1/2 cup).

Optionally, grate a little lemon zest over the top (about 1/2 teaspoon) to brighten flavors. Serve immediately so the mozzarella remains tender and the basil fresh.