Caprese Salad is a remarkably simple Italian salad encompassing of fresh Mozzarella, sweet basil, and tomatoes. Like the pizza Margherita it features the colours of the Italian flag; white, green and red. Traditionally this salad is dressed with only a splash of Olive oil, but I prefer the one with added balsamic glaze.

Balsamic vinegar is an intense, dark Italian vinegar made from grapes. If you cook Balsamic vinegar for around 15-20 minutes, it reduces to a syrup like consistency and acquires a tangy sweet taste.  Paired with fresh mozzarella and fresh fragrant basil, it adds an extra oomph to every bite. I prefer using store bought balsamic glaze over making my own. If you cannot find a balsamic glaze, simply simmer balsamic vinegar until it reaches a syrup like consistency.

I like serving this salad with a steak dinner or roast. You can serve it with pizza, pasta, sandwiches or simply on its own.

Ingredients:

• Tomatoes 3 medium; cut into slices
• Fresh Mozzarella; cut into slices
• Sweet Basil leaves 1/2 cup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Olive Oil 2 tbsp
• Balsamic Glaze 2 tbsp

Method:

Arrange sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate or flat platter. Sprinkle on the sweet basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving drizzle Olive oil and Balsamic glaze on top.