Caprese Balsamic Recipe

Prepare reduction

Pour 1 cup balsamic vinegar into a small, wide saucepan. Add 1 tsp sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter, shinier glaze. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced to about 1/4 cup and coats the back of a spoon. This takes approximately 12–18 minutes depending on pan width. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools. Transfer to a heatproof container and allow to cool to room temperature before drizzling over the salad. If it becomes too thick when cold, whisk in a few drops of warm water to loosen.

Slice ingredients

Drain the buffalo mozzarella on paper towels for 5–10 minutes to remove excess liquid. Slice the mozzarella into 1/4-inch (about 6 mm) thick slices. Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds to match the mozzarella thickness. If tomatoes are irregular, cut into even slices for consistent presentation.

Arrange

On a serving plate or platter, alternate tomato slice, mozzarella slice, and a whole or folded basil leaf to create a single-layer or slightly overlapping row or circular pattern. Leave some space between stacks for olive oil and balsamic to collect attractively.

Season and dress

Drizzle 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged slices. Sprinkle 1 tsp coarse sea salt evenly across the tomatoes and mozzarella, then add 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste. Tear any larger basil leaves if necessary and tuck additional small leaves between slices for flavor and visual contrast.

Finish with balsamic reduction

Using a spoon or a small squeeze bottle, drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction in a thin, decorative stream over the salad. Start with about 1–2 tbs of reduction and add more to taste; you can also do a light grid or zigzag pattern for presentation.

Serve immediately at room temperature to best appreciate the creamy mozzarella and full tomato flavor. Leftover balsamic reduction can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.