'l' Estate Caprese Recipe

Core and slice San Marzano tomatoes

Rinse the San Marzano tomatoes. Cut out the cores and slice each tomato crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a large serving platter in an overlapping single layer, leaving space for the mozzarella.

Slice buffalo mozzarella

Drain the buffalo mozzarella balls in a sieve for 5 minutes to remove excess whey. Pat gently with paper towel. Slice each ball into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange alternately with the San Marzano slices on the platter.

Prepare finishing plum tomatoes

Halve the red plum tomatoes lengthwise (or quarter if very large). Set aside to add at the end for freshness and a textural contrast.

Place the pitted Kalamata olives, capers, minced garlic (use half of the 1/2 clove for a milder profile), 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice and black pepper into a small food processor or finely chop by hand. Pulse or mince until a coarse, spreadable texture forms — you want some olive chunks for texture, not a paste. Taste and adjust: add a few drops more lemon if it tastes too salty or another 1/2 teaspoon oil if too dry.

Spoon small dollops (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon each) of the Kalamata tapenade across the arranged tomato-and-mozzarella slices, spacing them evenly so each bite can include tapenade.

Tuck fresh basil leaves whole or chiffonade (stack leaves, roll tightly and thinly slice) between the tomato and mozzarella layers and scatter additional leaves on top for aroma and color.

Scatter the halved/quartered red plum tomatoes over the top, placement focused toward the center to create a finished, seasonal look.

Drizzle the 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the entire platter, then lightly drizzle the 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar or glaze in a few streaks. Finish with flaky sea salt sprinkled sparingly and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Let the assembled Caprese rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Serve with crusty bread or crostini if desired.