Valentine Caprese Salad (Print View)
Heart-shaped mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and sweet balsamic glaze create a fresh, vibrant dish.
# 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
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Combine 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 allow to cool completely before serving.
02 - Slice fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds. Use a small heart-shaped cutter to cut hearts from the slices if desired. Slice tomatoes into equally thick rounds for uniform presentation.
03 - On individual serving plates, alternate tomato slices, mozzarella hearts, and fresh basil leaves. Arrange in a circular or heart-shaped pattern for romantic presentation.
04 - Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged salad. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
05 - Complete the dish by drizzling the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving. The glaze should be room temperature for optimal consistency.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Its the kind of dish that makes people feel special without you having to say anything
- Takes barely 30 minutes but looks like something from a fancy Italian restaurant
02 -
- The balsamic glaze thickens considerably as it cools, so don't panic if it looks too thin in the pan
- Room temperature ingredients make such a difference in how the flavors meld together
03 -
- Pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels before arranging to prevent a watery plate
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving makes everything taste brighter