Easy Fresh 5-Ingredient Caprese Salad Recipe with Homemade Balsamic Reduction
A quick and easy Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a homemade balsamic reduction that adds a rich, syrupy sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella or fresh mozzarella balls)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt (optional, to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) of balsamic vinegar into a medium-sized saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally with a spoon or whisk.
- Simmer the vinegar for about 15-20 minutes or until it reduces by half and has a syrupy consistency, coating the back of a spoon. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- While the balsamic is reducing, wash and slice the tomatoes into about 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick slices, keeping them uniform.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella into similar thickness as the tomatoes, about 1/4 inch (6 mm). If using mozzarella balls, slice them in half or thirds depending on size.
- Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving platter, overlapping slightly in a circular or linear pattern. Tuck fresh basil leaves between slices.
- Lightly drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the arranged salad.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to taste.
- Once the balsamic reduction has cooled slightly and thickened, drizzle it artistically over the salad.
- Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
If balsamic reduction thickens too much, stir in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella just before serving to keep salad fresh and prevent sogginess. Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor. The salad is best served fresh but can rest a few minutes to let flavors mingle. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 24 hours and brought to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 16
Keywords: Caprese salad, balsamic reduction, fresh mozzarella, tomato salad, easy salad recipe, Italian salad, summer salad