Authentic Insalata Caprese

Authentic Insalata Caprese is the perfect  Italian dish. A simple Italian salad combines juicy tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella cheese, tender young leaves of basil, and olive oil.

The first mention of Insalata Caprese dates back to the roaring ’20s in Italy on the Hotel Quisisana. A patriotic mason wanted to make a dish that was a proper tribute to Italy that visually incorporated the tricolor of the Italian flag into the presentation of the salad. 

 

After the initial positive response, the Authentic Insalata Caprese was desired by many but failed to become mainstream until the late King Farouk, in the 1950s, asked for a light afternoon snack and was served a Caprese sandwich. The rest is history!

Visitors from other regions began to flock to the area, and Caprese salad soon became a staple of Capri food and culture. Over time, the recipe was refined and improved by adding bufala mozzarella instead of the traditional vaccine mozzarella.

 

 

Authentic Insalata Caprese has evolved to include a few leaves of wild arugula and a pinch of dried oregano, both local ingredients; everywhere else in Italy, it’s simple; made from tomato, mozzarella, basil, extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil, and maybe a pinch of kosher salt and freely cracked peppercorns are added.

 

 

 

 

Tips to make Authentic Insalata Caprese

1. Don’t use the same humdrum red tomatoes. Look for selecting different tomatoes and shapes to add different textures and tastes to your Authentic Insalata Caprese. When choosing from a farmer’s market, look for those tomatoes that feel heavy. They will usually be the juiciest.

2. Most people will take tomatoes from the refrigerator, slice them into quite thick slices, and plop them unceremoniously on a platter with thick slices of inferior fresh mozzarella cheese. That’s a big NO. Tomatoes should never be refrigerated. It makes them very bland, watery and robs them of their delicious flavor. It is best to keep them at room temperature for quality flavor.

3. The cheese for authentic Insalata Caprese has to be fresh, quality mozzarella. It’s the only cheese able to add that delicious white touch that a true Insalata Caprese has. Not all fresh mozzarella cheeses are made equal. It’s essential to choose the one that adds the most incredible taste and texture to your salad.

4. The basil you use should be small young, tender leaves. The flavor is much more intense. The sweet “Genovese” variety is best for this salad, although if you have problems finding it, the standard, larger-leaved version will do, too. There’s nothing like plucking your basil leaves to add to your homegrown tomatoes for your deliciously Authentic Insalata Caprese.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Equipment for Authentic Insalata Caprese

• Cutting board

• Sharp kitchen knife

• Serving Platter

 

 

 

 

Shopping List

• Four large organic tomatoes sliced 

• Sixteen- ounces of fresh mozzarella sliced 

• Ten to twelve young tender, organic basil leaves

• Kosher salt optional but recommended

• Black pepper optional but recommended

• Four tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive oil + more if desired

 

 

 

 

 

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few other suggestions.

•  Mussels in Tomato Sauce make a perfect flavorful starter to a meal or appetizer. Pair the Mussels with pasta, seafood, salad, and a glass of wine for an ideal swanky meal, or serve it as a party appetizer to impress your seafood-loving guests.
• Goat Cheese Tomatoes and Prosciutto on Ciabatta Bread How can you go wrong with exquisite flavors like Goat Cheese, Heirloom vine-ripened tomatoes, Prosciutto, peppery Arugula, fresh basil, garlic, and warm balsamic? It’s a little slice of heaven if you ask me.
• Shrimp and Tomatoes are the perfect starter or an appetizer to serve all year long, including the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays. This Shrimp and Tomatoes recipe goes perfectly well with slices of crusty bread or artesian-style crackers and a glass of your favorite wine.

 

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