Caprese Salad is the perfect easy side dish for any meal! Simple, delicious, and healthy! Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, and Balsamic Vinegar. Traditionally, tomato slices are layered on a platter with slices of Mozzarella and basil leaves, then sprinkled with oil and vinegar.  This salad is way better for a crowd!  Like pizza Margherita, it features the colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. 

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces cherry or cherub tomatoes chopped in half
• 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cherry sized. Chopped in half or fourths
• 1/4 c fresh basil chopped
• 1/2 c good quality balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tabs honey (if you want to make a balsamic reduction sauce)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add the balsamic vinegar and honey to a small saucepan over high heat.
2. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
3. Once it’s reduced by approximately half and thickened to your liking (about 10-15 min), remove from the heat. Be careful it doesn’t get too thick, but a bit syrupy is good.
4. Toss all ingredients except for the reduction in a bowl. (Can be made ahead to this point and refrigerate – just add dressing when serving)
5. Drizzle with the reduction, adding a little at a time, tossing, tasting, and then adding more to your liking.
6. Enjoy!

Note: you can also add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if you’d like the added flavor, but it’s not necessary

Serves:   4

Source:  The Cookie Rookie