Caprese Salad Recipe

Make balsamic glaze

Pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add 1 tsp sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter glaze. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer until reduced by half and syrupy, about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool; it will thicken more as it cools.

Season glaze lightly with a pinch of salt and let cool to room temperature while you assemble the salad.

Make quick pesto

In a small food processor or blender combine 1 cup packed basil leaves, 1 clove garlic, 1 tbs pine nuts, 2 tbs grated Parmesan, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Pulse to chop, then stream in 3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil while blending until a coarse, spoonable pesto forms. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If too thick, add up to 1–2 tbs additional olive oil or a teaspoon of water to loosen.

Prepare tomatoes and mozzarella: Slice the 2 tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If using a large mozzarella ball, slice into 1/4-inch rounds; if using ciliegine, leave whole or halve them.

Toss the mixed greens: In a large bowl, place 4 cups mixed salad greens. Drizzle 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil over the greens and gently toss to coat. Season the greens with about 1/4 tsp of the sea salt and a light grind of black pepper.

Assemble Caprese: On a large serving platter or individual plates, arrange a bed of the dressed mixed greens. Alternate tomato and mozzarella slices across the greens, overlapping slightly. If using small mozzarella balls, nestle them between tomato slices.

Add basil and pesto: Tuck whole basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices. Dollop teaspoons of the prepared pesto between the slices or lightly drizzle the pesto over the arranged salad (use about 2–3 tbs pesto total).

Finish and serve: Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the assembled salad in a thin even stream. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper over the top to taste. Serve immediately.