Recipe of the Week: Caprese Salad

May 15, 2011

One of my favourite summer salads is the Caprese Salad, Insalata Caprese in Italian. It is a very simple and delicious salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil and basil. The secret to a great Caprese Salad is all in the ingredients: sun-ripened tomatoes and basil, good Mozzarella, from buffalo (not bison) milk if possible, and excellent olive oil.

CAPRESE SALAD

Ingredients for 4 persons:

· 2 large (ripened) tomatoes, thickly sliced

·         2 large mozzarella balls, thickly sliced
·         4 basil leaves
·         extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
·         salt to season

Method

Arrange the slices of tomato and mozzarella on a plate, one after the other

Tear the fresh basil over the salad
Add salt and drizzle with the best extra virgin olive oil available

Remember: The key to a great Caprese Salad is all in the ingredients, so use the best ones available!

I like to enjoy my Caprese Salad with a fresh loaf of crispy Italian bread, a nice glass of white Italian Pinot Grigio, and the company of a loved one.