Caprese Salad with Pesto sauce is the perfect mouthwatering recipe. Enjoy the classic combination of ripe tomatoes fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil all topped with a homemade pesto sauce. A delightful and refreshing dish for any occasion.
Here’s a recipe for a delicious Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
For the Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Pesto Sauce
a. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and minced garlic.
b. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
c. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. d. Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Assemble the Caprese Salad
a. On a serving platter, arrange the tomato slices, fresh mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves alternately.
b. Season the salad with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper.
c. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the salad.
d. Optionally, you can drizzle a balsamic glaze over the salad for added flavor.
Serving
Spoon the freshly made pesto sauce over the Caprese Salad or serve it on the side. Serve immediately as an appetizer or side dish.
Enjoy your homemade Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce! It’s a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer or any time you want a taste of Italy.
Tips and Tricks to Enhance Your Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce
Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great Caprese salad is using the freshest ingredients possible. Look for ripe juicy tomatoes high quality mozzarella cheese and vibrant basil leaves.
Slice Evenly: When slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella, try to make them as uniform in thickness as possible. This ensures each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and freshly ground black pepper. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out the flavors of the tomatoes and cheese.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a high quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the salad. It adds a rich fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Balsamic Glaze: While optional, a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a sweet and tangy contrast to the salad. You can buy pre made balsamic glaze or reduce balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens.
Homemade Pesto: Making your own pesto sauce from scratch is easy and tastes incredible. It’s worth the effort, but you can also use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time.
Pesto Consistency: Adjust the consistency of your pesto by adding more or less olive oil. Some prefer it thicker, while others like it thinner.
Serve Chilled: Caprese salad is best served cold. Refrigerate all the ingredients including the pesto before assembling and serving.
Presentation: Arrange the ingredients on the serving platter in an aesthetically pleasing manner. A beautiful presentation can make the dish even more appetizing.
Customize: Feel free to add your own twist to the salad. You can include ingredients like avocado slices prosciutto or grilled chicken for variation.
Freshly Pick Basil: If possible, pick fresh basil leaves from your garden or buy them the day you plan to make the salad. Fresh basil is more aromatic and flavorful.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the pesto sauce and slice the tomatoes and mozzarella in advance to save time when serving.
Use a Serrated Knife: A serrated knife is great for slicing ripe tomatoes without squishing them.
Experiment: Caprese salad is a versatile dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of tomatoes, cheese, or herbs for your own unique twist.
With these tips and tricks, your Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce will be a delightful and memorable dish that everyone will enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for a Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce can vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. Here’s a general estimate based on typical serving sizes:
Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
Nutrient Breakdown:
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 20-30 milligrams
- Sodium: 300-400 milligrams
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 20-30% DV
- Calcium: 15-20% DV
- Iron: 5-10% DV
Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. The olive oil, mozzarella cheese, and pesto sauce are the primary sources of calories and fats in this dish. If you have specific dietary restrictions or need precise nutrition information, it’s a good idea to use a nutrition calculator or consult a registered dietitian.
