Valentine Caprese Salad (Printable)
Fresh mozzarella hearts and tomatoes with basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze for a vibrant salad experience.
# 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
# How To Make:
01 - Combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
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 serving 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 freshly ground black pepper.
05 - Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The balsamic glaze transforms everything it touches into something restaurant worthy
- Its the kind of dish that looks impressive but takes almost no actual cooking skill
- You can make it ahead and assemble right before serving
02 -
- The glaze thickens considerably as it cools so don't reduce it too far
- Room temperature ingredients taste better than cold from the fridge
- This needs to be assembled immediately before serving or the basil starts to wilt
03 -
- Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels before slicing to prevent watery plates
- Save any irregular cheese scraps to eat yourself while cooking