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Diced Caprese Salad

[heart_this] · Aug 16, 2010 · 59 Comments

Stacked Diced Caprese Salad

The local field tomatoes finally made their appearance at the farmers market this weekend and I immediately picked some up. With the fresh ripe tomatoes in hand, the first thing on my mind was a caprese salad! A caprese salad or insalata caprese, is a salad consisting of tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and basil. Because this salad is so simple, you want to use the best ingredients possible including perfectly ripened field tomatoes. Every year I look forward to tomato season when I can enjoy fresh caprese salads and I never tire of coming up with new ways to enjoy them. This time I diced both the tomatoes and the mozzarella and used my mini spring form pan to construct a layered stack. For the basil component of the salad I topped the tower with a dollop of freshly made basil pesto and garnished the plate with drops of basil olive oil. (I made the basil oil by pureeing some basil in the olive oil and then straining it.)

Diced Caprese Salad

Diced Caprese Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2
ingredients
  • 2 large ripe field tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 large ball fresh mozzarella (diced)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
directions
  1. Divide the tomatoes and mozzarella in two and form stacks on two plates alternating the tomatoes and mozzarella seasoning with salt and pepper as you go using a ring.
  2. Top each stack with basil pesto and enjoy!
Similar Recipes:
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Chicken Margherita

More summer salads!

Food, Low-carb, Recipe, Salad, Side Dish, Vegetable, Vegetarian

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Eva says

    August 16, 2010 at 11:27 pm

    What a great twist on Caprese Salad, the presentation is completely beautiful.

    Reply
  2. Mags says

    August 16, 2010 at 11:28 pm

    Absolutely beautiful presentation Kevin.

    Reply
  3. [email protected] The Vintage Nest says

    August 16, 2010 at 11:33 pm

    OMG…that's gorgeous. Have made the salad for years, in fact, had it last nite, only I substituted a creamy garlic cheese diced up. It was gooooood! BUT I have to try it in a press like you did with the basil oil. Now I have to have company for dinner so I can try it out. Boy…will they be impressed! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    August 16, 2010 at 11:35 pm

    Fantastic, Kevin! I have been alternating this salad with real Greek salad (no lettuce) all summer. And your pesto idea sounds good. I make pesto 'cubes' all summer and freeze them for fresh basil taste in the winter. Great idea.!!! fleur.

    Reply
  5. Pam says

    August 16, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    What a gorgeous presentation of a caprese salad!

    Reply
  6. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says

    August 17, 2010 at 12:33 am

    I love this! What a nice take (and lovely presentation) on Caprese.

    Reply
  7. Ciao Chow Linda says

    August 17, 2010 at 12:48 am

    Lovely deconstructed caprese salad, especially with those dots of pesto adding even more color.

    Reply
  8. ♥peachkins♥ says

    August 17, 2010 at 1:12 am

    A nice take on Caprese Salad!

    The Peach Kitchen
    peach and things
    blowing peachkisses

    Reply
  9. Cara says

    August 17, 2010 at 1:15 am

    beautiful presentation, Kevin!

    Reply
  10. bellini valli says

    August 17, 2010 at 1:19 am

    Definitely one of my favourite salads Kevin!!

    Reply
  11. Lena Nozizwe says

    August 17, 2010 at 1:47 am

    For the first time ever I grew my own tomatoes this summer. What a treat it's been to step outside into my container garden and take it to my kitchen. Your recipe is a great way to use them.

    Reply
  12. Chocolate Freckles says

    August 17, 2010 at 2:30 am

    You always amaze me with your presentation, next time I wanna impress someone.. I'll serve this as a starter for sure!!

    Reply
  13. Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says

    August 17, 2010 at 2:38 am

    I love caprese salad – your salad is absolutely beautiful. This would make a great presentation next time we're entertaining!

    Reply
  14. Natalie @ Perrys' Plate says

    August 17, 2010 at 2:49 am

    What beautiful plating! You're a very talented food stylist. Your photos are always gorgeous! (Oh yes, and the salad looks delicious as well!)

    Reply
  15. Anonymous says

    August 17, 2010 at 2:55 am

    Great presentation. Love caprese with buffalo mozzarella.

    Reply
  16. Recipe for Delicious says

    August 17, 2010 at 3:18 am

    Stunning presentation, Kevin. The first few tomatoes just showed up at our market too.

    Reply
  17. Healthy and Homemade says

    August 17, 2010 at 3:20 am

    Beautiful presentation, I like that you didn't crack black pepper over it. I hate when they do that in restaurants and you bite into the grit, it ruins the texture of this salad.

    Reply
  18. Diana Evans says

    August 17, 2010 at 3:23 am

    you need to pop by and get some fresh tomatoes from our garden!!! this is wonderful…we had some salad tonight and it was amazing!!!

    Reply
  19. Cati says

    August 17, 2010 at 3:25 am

    What a beautiful plate. Nice work!

    Reply
  20. Claudia says

    August 17, 2010 at 4:01 am

    So pretty – Caaprese is always gorgeous. Caprese on a stick, caprese stacks, caprese salads, caprese pasta, caprese roses – I'm on your wave length. The combination is irresistable.

    Reply
  21. Taylor says

    August 17, 2010 at 4:05 am

    This is gorgeous! I love a great caprese salad and this looks like a fabulous twist on it

    Reply
  22. Liz says

    August 17, 2010 at 4:23 am

    It is still in the throws of Winter here in Australia but this dish really cheers me up! It makes me think of hot summer days by the pool. The colours and the brightness you have captured are incredible! Yum. Bring on summer!

    Reply
  23. Ana Powell says

    August 17, 2010 at 7:13 am

    So good looking and full of vibrant colours ♥

    Reply
  24. Rosa's Yummy Yums says

    August 17, 2010 at 7:27 am

    It looks wonderful!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  25. jose manuel says

    August 17, 2010 at 7:29 am

    Que ensalada tan sencilla y maravillosa. Esta con tu permiso me la copio, me ha encantado. SAludos

    Reply
  26. Joanne says

    August 17, 2010 at 10:23 am

    I love a good caprese salad and the presentation here is gorgeous!

    Reply
  27. Amy B says

    August 17, 2010 at 11:35 am

    I just had a Caprese salad at my cousin's last weekend and, I said to myself, this is the best thing ever! I like your addition of a dollop of pesto. Thanks for posting.

    Reply
  28. Lauren says

    August 17, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    What a gorgeous and clever way to serve caprese salad!

    Reply
  29. Jess @ Bakericious says

    August 17, 2010 at 12:29 pm

    beautiful presentation and the delicious salad

    Reply
  30. teresa says

    August 17, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    this is so gorgeous!

    Reply
  31. Laura (Recetas Trucos y Tips) says

    August 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    Hola!

    I have just discovered your blog, I think it's amazing 🙂

    I am your follower now

    saludos desde España

    🙂

    Reply
  32. katerina says

    August 17, 2010 at 3:51 pm

    Beautiful presentation, but where is the balsamic? It is a must have for me 🙂

    Reply
  33. Pam says

    August 17, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    Nice Kevin – what a beautiful presentation.

    Reply
  34. Cheryl says

    August 17, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    What a smart idea, beautiful too!

    Reply
  35. Kalyn says

    August 17, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    Looks delicious! I've been in a Caprese Salad mood lately too.

    Reply
  36. Catherine says

    August 17, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    It looks absolutely GORGEOUS!

    Reply
  37. Kat says

    August 17, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    omg that looks amazing! Love it – gotta try it

    Reply
  38. Kat says

    August 17, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    omg that looks AMAZING! Gotta try it out sometime

    Reply
  39. Robert says

    August 17, 2010 at 7:32 pm

    That looks delicious. I love trying new salads, currently this is my favorite http://www.capturinghappiness.com/the-perfect-summer-salad/

    Reply
  40. The Short (dis)Order Cook says

    August 17, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    You get bonus points for making a classic salad look so pretty.

    This time of year is always something to look forward to tomato-wise. There is the caprese and of course the fresh marinara!

    Reply
  41. Melicious Meals says

    August 17, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    i still have some green and orange tomatoes in the fridge now, Gee thanks now i gotta run to the store to get buffalo mozz! You make simple ingredients look wonderful, I love your blog!

    Reply
  42. Kira says

    August 17, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    It's such a cute caprese too!

    Reply
  43. Celeste says

    August 17, 2010 at 11:05 pm

    This is beautiful – a work of art!

    Reply
  44. Karla @ {The Classy Woman} says

    August 17, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    Such a simple salad and what a beautiful presentation. Perfect as always! 🙂

    Reply
  45. Dom at Belleau Kitchen says

    August 17, 2010 at 11:26 pm

    just repeating what everyone else has said, that your presentation is INCREDIBLE and the pic makes me want to go out NOW and buy toms and mozz… and it's midnight here. x

    Reply
  46. Soma says

    August 18, 2010 at 1:24 am

    This is one very pretty looking caprese.

    Reply
  47. "pup" says

    August 18, 2010 at 1:35 am

    That looks absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  48. Anonymous says

    August 18, 2010 at 2:54 am

    Such a creative presentation for one of my favorite dishes. Perfect for a summer dinner party!

    Reply
  49. Jan says

    August 18, 2010 at 7:00 am

    Yum! Great picture too.

    Reply
  50. Paula says

    August 18, 2010 at 7:28 am

    I love that kind of caprese salad!

    Reply
  51. Tengo un horno y sé cómo usarlo says

    August 18, 2010 at 10:48 am

    Great version of an absolut classic! Joining your blog today. Congratulations for the recipes, and the photos, from Spain.

    Reply
  52. dena says

    August 18, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    Gorgeous! Simply gorgeous!

    Reply
  53. Kerstin says

    August 19, 2010 at 1:52 am

    What a beautiful presentation and great way to elevate the standard caprese salad – love it!

    Reply
  54. Magic of Spice says

    August 19, 2010 at 4:21 am

    Simply gorgeous…What a wonderful way of presenting this salad…Gorgeous 🙂

    Reply
  55. Marie says

    August 20, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    I never get tired of a summer Caprese Salad with a good glass of Chianti Classico wine. I love to find new ways to present it and last week I stacked the mozzarella, tomatoes and basil instead of "fanning" them the classic way – not unlike what you're presenting here! Your idea of chopping the tomatoes and tearing the mozzarella apart is even better, it's surely easier to eat without making a mess (which is what happened when I attacked my tower :). The photo is gorgeous, I'll try this plating next time!

    Reply
  56. Di says

    August 20, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    This looks beautiful and very tasty!

    Reply
  57. Anonymous says

    August 21, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    Wow, it looks great 🙂

    Your wonderful version of the best summer salad ever inspired me to create something similar…

    Reply
  58. Pamela says

    August 23, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Gorgeous!!

    Reply
  59. Barbara | Creative Culinary says

    June 24, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    Wow; you have really come a long way; I remember when all of your photos were on one mat. Absolutely beautiful!

    Reply

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Kevin: I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.
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