Description
Craving a vibrant, no-cook dish that captures the essence of summer? This Summer Caprese Salad is your perfect choice! Featuring juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, sweet peaches, crisp cucumbers, and a touch of tangy red onion, all garnished with fragrant basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Summer Caprese Salad (based on the 1x recipe). Each ingredient adds to the juicy, creamy, and tangy magic.
- Large Tomatoes (3, sliced): Provide juicy, vibrant flavor (preferably heirloom for color).
- Fresh Mozzarella (1 lb, sliced): Adds creamy, mild richness.
- Peaches (2 large, sliced): Bring sweet, summery juiciness.
- Seedless Cucumber (1 small, sliced and halved): Offers crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes (½ cup, halved): Add pops of sweetness.
- Red Onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Provides sharp, colorful contrast.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (⅓ cup): Infuse vibrant, herbaceous aroma.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhance flavors.
- Balsamic Glaze (for drizzling): Adds sweet-tangy depth.
Scaling Ingredients
- 2x Recipe (serves 8–10):
- 6 large tomatoes, sliced
- 2 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 4 large peaches, sliced
- 2 small seedless cucumbers, sliced and halved
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup red onion slices
- ⅔ cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze as needed
- 3x Recipe (serves 12–15):
- 9 large tomatoes, sliced
- 3 lb fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 6 large peaches, sliced
- 3 small seedless cucumbers, sliced and halved
- 1½ cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¾ cup red onion slices
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze as needed
Substitutions and Variations
- Tomatoes: Use Roma, beefsteak, or all cherry tomatoes if large ones are unavailable.
- Mozzarella: Swap with burrata, goat cheese, or dairy-free mozzarella for vegan.
- Peaches: Replace with nectarines, mango, or strawberries for a different fruit twist.
- Cucumber: Substitute with zucchini or omit for a simpler salad.
- Red Onion: Use shallots or omit for a milder flavor.
- Basil: Swap with mint or arugula for a different herbaceous note.
- Balsamic Glaze: Make your own by reducing ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tsp honey until thick, or use olive oil with a splash of lemon juice.
- Keto Adjustment: Reduce peaches to 1, limit cherry tomatoes to ¼ cup, and use full-fat mozzarella (~4–5g net carbs per serving).
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño for heat.
- Protein-Packed: Include prosciutto, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for a non-vegetarian option.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Slice 3 large tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Slice 1 lb fresh mozzarella into similar-sized rounds.
- Slice 2 large peaches into thin wedges.
- Slice 1 small seedless cucumber into thin rounds, then halve them.
- Halve ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice ¼ cup red onion.
- Gather ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, leaving them whole or tearing larger leaves.
Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean slices; chill ingredients beforehand for a refreshing salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- On a large platter, arrange the sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, peaches, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, red onion, and basil leaves in an attractive pattern (e.g., alternating layers or rows).
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Tip: Arrange ingredients for visual appeal, overlapping slightly; drizzle glaze lightly to avoid overpowering flavors.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Tip: Serve with tongs or a large spoon for easy sharing; keep extra balsamic glaze on the side for guests to add more.