Stacked Caprice Salad Recipe
Make Stacked Caprice Salad Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Tomato & Mozzarella Stack
Basil-Garlic Vinaigrette
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Tomato & Mozzarella Stack
- 1
Prepare tomatoes and mozzarella
Wash tomatoes and pat dry. Using a sharp chef's knife, slice each tomato crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Drain the fresh mozzarella and slice into rounds about the same thickness (1/2 inch). If mozzarella is in a large ball, chill briefly to make slicing easier.
- 2
Trim and size basil
Select basil leaves of similar size. If leaves are large, tear into pieces roughly the diameter of the tomato rounds so stacks look neat.
- 3
Assemble stacks
On a platter or individual plates, arrange a small bed of microgreens or baby arugula if using (about 1/4 cup per serving). For each stack: place a tomato slice as the base, top with a basil leaf, then a mozzarella slice, another basil leaf, and finish with a top tomato slice (tomato–basil–mozzarella–basil–tomato). Make 6 equal stacks (assuming 3 tomatoes and 12 oz mozzarella yields 6 stacks).
Basil-Garlic Vinaigrette
- 4
Make vinaigrette
Peel and finely mince the garlic clove (or grate it). In a small bowl or jar, combine the minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, Dijon mustard, honey, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk or shake to combine. Slowly add the 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or seasoning as needed (add up to 1/2 tbs more balsamic or lemon if desired).
- 5
Rest to marry flavors
Let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes so garlic and basil infuse the dressing. Give it a final whisk or shake before using.
Finishing & Serve
- 6
Dress the stacks
Just before serving, spoon or drizzle about 1 teaspoon of the vinaigrette over each stacked salad, letting some run down the sides. Drizzle the reserved 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil lightly over all stacks for shine.
- 7
- 8
Serve
Serve immediately at room temperature as a starter or light salad. If making slightly ahead, keep components separate and assemble within 20 minutes of serving to avoid watery tomatoes.