Ingredients

1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey
3 large tomatoes , cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 package fresh mozzarella cheese , cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction is a modern twist on the traditional Caprese salad which originated from the island of Capri in Italy. The combination of fresh, ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves make this dish a favorite for lunch, dinner, or any time of day. The salad is visually stunning and will impress your guests with its simplicity and elegance. You can serve it as a side dish or as a main dish on a hot summer day.

Instructions

1.In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar and honey to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2.Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced by half and is thick and syrupy, about 15-20 minutes.
3.Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating each tomato slice with a mozzarella slice.
4.Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
5.Drizzle the salad with the balsamic reduction.
6.Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

PROS

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction is a simple and refreshing salad that is easy to make and visually stunning.
The combination of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is a classic that is always well-received.
The balsamic reduction adds a tangy-sweet flavor to the salad that is both delicious and attractive.

CONS

One of the cons of this salad is that it can become watery due to the moisture from the tomatoes.
To avoid this, be sure to use fresh, firm tomatoes and to drain them well before slicing.
Another potential con is that it uses quite a bit of balsamic vinegar which could be expensive for some.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This salad is packed with health benefits such as lycopene and vitamin C from the tomatoes. Fresh mozzarella is high in protein and calcium. The balsamic reduction provides antioxidants and immune-boosting benefits. Extra-virgin olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. And lastly, fresh basil leaves have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.