This easy and delicious Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad is a quick, fresh, and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. With creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic reduction, this simple salad is bursting with flavor. You can easily customize it with ingredients you have on hand for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups balsamic vinegar
- 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced thick
- 12 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thick
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Caprese Salad
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat. Let it simmer until the vinegar thickens into a glaze (about 10–20 minutes). Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or cruet to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter, arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella cheese, alternating between the two. Add fresh basil leaves in between the slices for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella, making sure each slice gets a little. Then, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top, adding decorative swirls if you’d like.
- Season and Serve: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately as a refreshing lunch with crusty bread, or pair it with a beef main course for dinner.
Recipe Tips
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Overripe tomatoes can be too soft and watery, affecting the salad’s texture.
- Make the Balsamic Reduction Ahead: You can prepare the balsamic reduction in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to serve the salad.
- Fresh Basil Is Key: Use fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic flavor. Avoid dried basil as it won’t give the same freshness and punch.
- Slice Cheese and Tomatoes Evenly: Slice your mozzarella and tomatoes evenly so each bite has the right balance of flavors. Thick slices help keep the salad hearty.
- Don’t Skip the Drizzle: Be generous with the olive oil and balsamic reduction drizzle. It helps bring all the flavors together and adds a touch of richness to the dish.
How To Store Leftovers
Place leftover Caprese Salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep the balsamic reduction separately to prevent it from making the salad soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 297
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 502mg
- Potassium: 474mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 20.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugars: 15.9g
- Protein: 19g
- Calcium: 540mg
- Iron: 0.7mg
More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad
Description
This easy and delicious Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad is a quick, fresh, and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. With creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic reduction, this simple salad is bursting with flavor. You can easily customize it with ingredients you have on hand for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil over medium-low heat. Let it simmer until the vinegar thickens into a glaze (about 10–20 minutes). Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl or cruet to cool.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter, arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella cheese, alternating between the two. Add fresh basil leaves in between the slices for a burst of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella, making sure each slice gets a little. Then, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top, adding decorative swirls if you’d like.
- Season and Serve: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately as a refreshing lunch with crusty bread, or pair it with a beef main course for dinner.
Notes
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Overripe tomatoes can be too soft and watery, affecting the salad’s texture.
- Make the Balsamic Reduction Ahead: You can prepare the balsamic reduction in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to serve the salad.
- Fresh Basil Is Key: Use fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic flavor. Avoid dried basil as it won’t give the same freshness and punch.
- Slice Cheese and Tomatoes Evenly: Slice your mozzarella and tomatoes evenly so each bite has the right balance of flavors. Thick slices help keep the salad hearty.
- Don’t Skip the Drizzle: Be generous with the olive oil and balsamic reduction drizzle. It helps bring all the flavors together and adds a touch of richness to the dish.
Pioneer Woman Caprese Salad