Caprese Salad with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced (600g) 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced (600g)
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/2 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup (15g) fresh basil leaves
• 4 slices of crusty bread 4 slices of crusty bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Brush the tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and bread with olive oil.
3. 3.
   Season the tomato slices and mozzarella with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Grill the tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and bread for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear.
5. 5.
   Remove the grilled ingredients from the grill and let them cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Arrange the grilled tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a platter.
7. 7.
   Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
8. 8.
   Serve the grilled Caprese Salad with grilled bread on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead.
• Mozzarella — Opt for fresh mozzarella, preferably the type packed in water, as it has a softer texture and milder flavor.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for their aromatic and vibrant taste. Tear them gently just before serving to release their fragrance.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the salad before serving.
• If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the ingredients in the oven.
• Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the salad for an additional layer of richness.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, to add variety to the dish.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.

Serving advice

Serve the grilled Caprese Salad as an appetizer or a light lunch. It pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves in an alternating pattern on a platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze in an artistic manner over the salad. Place the grilled bread slices on the side or slightly overlapping the salad for an appealing presentation.