Caprese Salad Bowl (Printable)

Fresh Italian mozzarella and tomatoes with basil, balsamic, and crispy bread cubes

# Ingredient list:

→ Vegetables & Herbs

01 - 14 oz ripe tomatoes (heirloom or cherry), sliced or halved
02 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves

→ Dairy

03 - 8.8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or sliced)

→ Bread

04 - 4 slices rustic bread (ciabatta or sourdough)

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Toast bread slices until golden and crispy. Cut into bite-sized cubes or tear into rustic chunks.
02 - Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella in a large bowl or on a platter, alternating slices for visual appeal.
03 - Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella pieces.
04 - Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the salad.
05 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Scatter crispy bread pieces on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
07 - Serve immediately and enjoy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in ten minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • Every bite balances creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy in a way that feels both indulgent and light.
  • You can make it look stunning without any plating skills—just pile it in and let the colors do the work.
02 -
  • Adding the bread too early turns it into soggy croutons—wait until the very last moment before serving.
  • Room temperature mozzarella tastes sweeter and creamier than cold, so pull it from the fridge twenty minutes ahead.
  • If your tomatoes are bland, a pinch of sugar in the dressing wakes up their natural sweetness.
03 -
  • Rub the toasted bread with a halved garlic clove before tearing it—the rough surface grabs just enough garlic to add a subtle bite.
  • Reduce balsamic vinegar in a small pan until it thickens into a syrup for a sweeter, more concentrated drizzle.
  • Use a mix of tomato colors and sizes for a bowl that looks like it came from a magazine without any extra effort.
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