Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Ingredients

• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball of mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of balsamic reduction (optional)

Directions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella and arrange them in a single layer on a plate.
2. Sprinkle the chopped basil over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. For added flavor, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the salad.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

• The traditional Italian dish is called “Insalata Caprese” or “Caprese Salad”.
• It is believed to have been invented in the 1950s by a chef in the Isle of Capri.
• The colors of the salad are meant to represent the colors of the Italian flag - red, white, and green.
• The balsamic reduction adds a tangy sweetness and a bit of acidity to the salad.