Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a picnic side dish. It’s a simple combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with a delicious balsamic glaze. The combination of flavors is truly divine, and it’s a great way to add a bit of Italian flair to your picnic. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish for your next picnic, look no further than Caprese Salad!
Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a picnic side dish. It’s a simple combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, all drizzled with a delicious balsamic glaze.
The combination of flavors is truly divine, and it’s a great way to add a bit of Italian flair to any outdoor gathering.
Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Caprese Salad is a great way to add a bit of Italian flavor to your next picnic.
Ingredients to Make a Caprese Salad
When it comes to a classic picnic side dish, nothing beats a Caprese Salad. This Italian favorite is a simple yet delicious combination of:
For the Salad:
- 2 to 4 medium tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 to 12 basil leaves
- pinch of salt
- pinch of ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
How to Make a Caprese Salad
On the cutting board with a sharp knife, cut the tomatoes into thin slices. Cut the mozzarella cheese into thin slices as well.
Place the slices of tomatoes on the plate and season it with salt. Set it aside.
Make the Balsamic Glaze:
In a small saucepan, on medium low heat, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. When it’s done, remove from heat.
Assembling the Caprese Salad:
On the plate layer a salted slice of tomato, then one basil leaf, followed by a slice of mozzarella.
Continue adding the same ingredients in the same order until you create a circle.
Drizzle with the olive oil and add some salt and ground black pepper to taste. On the top of the salad, drizzle the balsamic glaze you have already created.
How to Store Leftover Caprese Salad
Storing leftover Caprese Salad can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can keep your picnic side dish fresh and delicious for days to come.
The key to storing Caprese Salad is to keep the ingredients separate. Start by transferring the salad to an airtight container.
Layer the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves in the container, making sure to keep them separate. This will help prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.
Once the ingredients are in the container, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top. This will help keep the salad fresh and prevent the ingredients from drying out.
Finally, store the container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy your delicious Caprese Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese Salad?
Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, all drizzled with a flavorful olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish that’s perfect for picnics and summer gatherings.
What ingredients do I need to make the perfect Caprese Salad?
To make the perfect Caprese Salad, you’ll need fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
How do I assemble a Caprese Salad?
To assemble a Caprese Salad, start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into thin slices. Arrange the slices on a plate in an alternating pattern. Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
What tips should I keep in mind when serving Caprese Salad at a picnic?
When serving Caprese Salad at a picnic, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving. This will help keep the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese from getting soggy. It’s also a good idea to bring along a separate container of olive oil and balsamic vinegar so that guests can add more dressing to their salads if desired.
How should I store leftover Caprese Salad?
Leftover Caprese Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.
Can I make Caprese Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Caprese Salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to ensure that the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese don’t get soggy.
What other ingredients can I add to Caprese Salad?
You can add other ingredients to Caprese Salad to give it more flavor and texture. Some popular additions include olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and grilled chicken.
More Fun Picnic Ideas You’ll Love
Planning a picnic can be so much fun! To help you get your little outdoor excursion pulled together, we’ve got some more fun picnic ideas we think you’ll love:
- 17 Picnic Desserts That Don’t Need Refrigeration
- Classic Italian Picnic Sandwich
- How to Plan an Authentic Italian Picnic
- 17 Breakfast Picnic Ideas
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 to 4 medium tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 to 12 basil leaves
- pinch of salt
- pinch of ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Balsamic Glaze:
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- On the cutting board with a sharp knife, cut the tomatoes into thin slices. Cut the mozzarella cheese into thin slices as well.2 to 4 medium tomatoes, 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Place the slices of tomatoes on the plate and season it with salt. Set it aside.pinch of salt
Make the Balsamic Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, on medium low heat, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. When it’s done, remove from heat.1 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar
Assembling the Caprese Salad:
- On the plate layer a salted slice of tomato, then one basil leaf, followed by a slice of mozzarella.8 to 12 basil leaves
- Continue adding the same ingredients in the same order until you create a circle.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and add some salt and ground black pepper to taste. On the top of the salad, drizzle the balsamic glaze you have already created.1/4 cup olive oil, pinch of ground black pepper
