RECIPE - CAPRESE SALAD

CAPRESE SALAD

This iconic salad  celebrates the simple fresh ingredients that embody the essence of Summer.

Salad ingredients:

Mix of tomatoes, large and cherry (about 500 grams)

200 grams mozzarella

½ cup basil leaves, green and purple

balsamic vinegar glaze

to serve (optional) sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, microgreens

Salad dressing:

2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1  small garlic clove, finely chopped

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

¼  teaspoon each dried oregano, and French tarragon

Place dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Season to taste. Halve cherry tomatoes and slice large tomatoes. Slice mozzarella.

Add tomatoes, mozzarella and half the basil leaves to a large mixing bowl and add dressing. Gently toss to cover. 

Transfer to individual bowls or a large serving bowl.

Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with remaining basil, plus (optional) sun-dried or oven-dried, tomatoes, parsley and microgreens.

Recipe courtesy Jane Wrigglesworth, editor NZ Gardener Garden Diary 2025