Ingredients
- Fresh, Ripe Peaches: 2-3 medium-sized peaches, peeled (optional) and sliced.
- Heirloom Tomatoes: 2 large heirloom tomatoes, a variety of colors adds visual appeal.
- Fresh Mozzarella: 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds.
- Fresh Basil: A generous handful of fresh basil leaves.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Glaze: 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or a thicker balsamic glaze.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Additions: Sliced red onion, toasted pine nuts, burrata cheese.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the peaches and tomatoes thoroughly.
- Slice the peaches into wedges or half-moons.
- Slice the tomatoes into rounds that are roughly the same thickness as your peaches.
- Slice the mozzarella into rounds.
- If using red onions, thinly slice them.
- Roughly chop or tear the basil leaves.
2. Assemble the Salad
- On a large serving platter, arrange the tomato and peach slices in an alternating pattern.
- Layer the mozzarella slices over the peaches and tomatoes.
- Tuck the basil leaves decoratively throughout the salad.
- If using red onions, scatter them over the salad.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or glaze).
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Dress and Finish
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
- If using pine nuts, scatter them across the top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Tips
Ingredient Quality: The best Caprese salad starts with the best ingredients. Choose perfectly ripe peaches, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and fresh, creamy mozzarella.
Variations: Experiment with different stone fruits like nectarines or plums. Replace mozzarella with creamy burrata for an even more decadent salad.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the ingredients in advance for easy last-minute assembly. However, dress the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.
