Caprese Salad

When it comes to capturing the essence of Italian cuisine, few dishes can compare to the timeless beauty of the Caprese salad. This simple yet exquisite combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil is a culinary work of art that celebrates the flavors of Italy.

Cost

Ingredient	Amount	AP Cost	Recipe Cost
Ripe Tomatoes	3 Tomatoes	$6.00	$3.00
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese	8 Oz.	$2.00	$1.00
Fresh Basil Leaves	to taste		$0.50
Balsamic Vinegar	to taste	$1.25	$0.75
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil	to taste	$0.50	$0.25
Salt and Pepper to Taste	to taste	$0.10	$0.10
Total			$5.60
Cost Per Serving			$1.40

Step-by-Step

• Slice ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

• Arrange alternating slices of tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves on a serving platter.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze and extra-virgin olive oil over the salad.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve your Caprese salad as a refreshing side dish or a light and elegant appetizer. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips for the Perfect Caprese Salad:

• Use the freshest ingredients you can find. Ripe, seasonal tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella are key.
• Tear basil leaves instead of cutting them, as this helps preserve their flavor and aroma.
• Allow the salad to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will meld and intensify.

Variations:

• Caprese Skewers: Create bite-sized Caprese salad skewers by threading cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and small basil leaves onto toothpicks or skewers.
• Caprese Panini: Turn your Caprese salad into a grilled panini by layering the ingredients between slices of crusty bread and toasting until the cheese is melted.