Valentine Caprese Salad (Printer-friendly)
Heart-shaped mozzarella, vibrant tomatoes, fresh basil, and sweet balsamic glaze.
# What you'll need:
→ Cheese & Dairy
01 - 4.5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (use a small heart-shaped cutter if desired)
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
03 - 1 handful fresh basil leaves
→ Dressing & Finish
04 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
06 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Balsamic Glaze
07 - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 tbsp honey
# Method:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
02 - Slice the mozzarella cheese and use a small heart-shaped cutter to cut out hearts, if desired. Slice the tomatoes into equally thick rounds.
03 - On each plate, alternate tomato slices, mozzarella hearts, and fresh basil leaves in a circular or heart-shaped pattern.
04 - Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
05 - Finish by drizzling the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The balsamic glaze transforms everything into something that tastes restaurant fancy but takes zero actual skill
- Its the perfect romantic appetizer that lets you focus on each other instead of the stove
02 -
- The glaze thickens considerably as it cools, so don't over reduce it or you'll end up with balsamic candy instead of sauce
- Room temperature ingredients taste exponentially better than cold ones straight from the fridge
03 -
- Pink peppercorns add this gorgeous floral note that people can never quite identify but absolutely love
- A drop of truffle oil in the glaze makes this taste like something from a high end Italian restaurant