A Caprese salad is a quick one to throw together and it tastes like a million dollars. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, steak, fish, vegetables… I remember the first time I had it long ago, I was in heaven at Carmine’s in New York City – I checked their menu and they make it differently than they used to. I’m sure the new salad is good but the regular version… WOW!

You can make this however you like. I set the tomatoes in a pattern, which isn’t a necessity since you can’t really see them through the mozzarella and basil, so however you like is fine. Then tuck pieces of FRESH mozzarella (the soft kind!) in between the tomatoes. Wash and tear or cut basil into pieces or thin strips and sprinkle over the top. Drizzle with EVOO and a lighter drizzle of balsamic vinegar – a light sprinkle of salt and *BAM*, you’re done!

I’ve seen appetizers on toothpicks, a grape tomato, small mozzarella slice, basil, repeat (if it fits), then set the filled toothpicks on a plate, drizzle with EVOO, balsamic and a sprinkle of salt and maybe a little sprinkle of more fresh basil. An easy appetizer you can pick up – especially nice with the prettier toothpick, like these with a little handle on the end.

I took this photo about an hour prior to serving because I was losing the light quickly. I saved some of the basil to put on after the drizzle of EVOO. But use how much you like!

🍅 Until next time…