Caprese Salad Bowl (Print version)

Creamy mozzarella meets ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in this vibrant Italian bowl, finished with tangy balsamic and crispy bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables & Herbs

01 - 14 oz ripe tomatoes (heirloom or cherry), sliced or halved
02 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves

→ Dairy

03 - 8.8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or sliced)

→ Bread

04 - 4 slices rustic bread (ciabatta or sourdough)

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1.5 tbsp balsamic vinegar
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Toast bread slices until golden and crispy. Cut into bite-sized cubes or tear into rustic chunks.
02 - Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella in a large bowl or on a platter, alternating slices for visual appeal.
03 - Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella pieces.
04 - Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the salad.
05 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Scatter crispy bread pieces on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
07 - Serve immediately and enjoy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something fresh but didn't plan ahead.
  • The contrast between creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bread creates a texture story that keeps you coming back for more bites.
02 -
  • Room temperature mozzarella and tomatoes absorb flavors better than cold cheese straight from the fridge, so let them sit out for ten minutes before assembling.
  • Adding the bread at the very last moment is the secret to keeping it crispy—it's the difference between a delightful salad and one where bread becomes a soggy footnote.
03 -
  • Buy your tomatoes and mozzarella from places where they're handled with respect—farmer's markets and Italian delis often have better options than supermarkets.
  • The quality of your olive oil matters here since it's not being cooked, so invest in something you'd actually taste on its own.
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