Ultimate Caprese Salad with Homemade Balsamic Glaze

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze [00:27]

• Pour 1 cup of good balsamic vinegar into a saucepan.
• Add 0.5 tablespoon of honey (optional).
• Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
• Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and lightly coats the back of a spoon.
• Note: The glaze will thicken more as it cools and should reduce to about one-third cup.

Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes [01:06]

• Slice 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes into quarter-inch thick rings.
• Arrange the slices on a serving platter, overlapping slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Mozzarella [01:24]

• Slice 12 to 16 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese to the same thickness as the tomatoes.
• Layer the mozzarella slices between each tomato slice on the platter.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil [01:53]

• Tuck a handful of fresh basil leaves whole between the layers of tomato and mozzarella.
• Alternatively, you can chop the basil and sprinkle it over the salad.

Step 5: Season and Dress the Salad [02:14]

• Generously season the salad with salt and black pepper.
• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over every layer and row for rich flavor.

Step 6: Drizzle Balsamic Glaze [02:44]

• Once the balsamic glaze has cooled to room temperature and thickened, drizzle it generously over the salad.

Step 7: Serve Immediately [03:06]

• Serve the Caprese salad right away to enjoy the fresh flavors at their best.

Enjoy this easy, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing Caprese salad with a delicious homemade balsamic glaze!