Do you love all the freshness of the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil of a caprese salad, with the tang of balsamic vinegar? If so, this is the salad for you. So fast and easy to make- there is even barely any chopping (my least favorite part of making a salad). In just 5-10 minutes (including making homemade dressing), you have an amazingly flavorful salad to serve.
Caprese Salad:
Prepare the salad- Lettuce, grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese pearls, fresh basil
Notes:
Use a "softer" lettuce like field greens or red lettuce
Grape tomatoes can be subbed for cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil is a must.
Could use slices of fresh mozzarella instead of the pearls- but the pearls make a great bite.
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small mason jar or bowl, add the following:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp garlic salt
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
If using a mason jar- close and shake to combine. If using a bowl, use a whisk to combine. Though you can use the dressing right away, I recommend making the dressing up to 2 days in advance, or at least 1 hour in advance and refrigerate, for maximum flavor. Left over dressing can be saved and used up to at least 2 weeks.
Pour desired amount of dressing on the salad and toss, and you are ready to serve! It makes a great lunch or use as a side for dinner- lots of options!
Nutritional Notes:
Mozzarella Cheese: Is Mozzarella Cheese Healthy? (eatingwell.com)
Balsamic Vinegar: 10 best health benefits of balsamic vinegar (medicalnewstoday.com)
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