A Different Approach to Insalata Caprese
Insalata Caprese, which means Salad made in Capri, the region of Campania, in Italy, is a simple salad using ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil and seasoning.
This salad is very popular in Italy during the summer when tomatoes and basil are at their peak freshness and flavour.
The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil makes Caprese Salad a simple yet delicious dish.
The main ingredients of Caprese Salad include:
- Tomatoes: Ripe and sweet tomatoes are used, preferably varieties like "San Marzano" or "Cuore di Bue."
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella di Bufala is mozzarella made from buffalo milk and is particularly flavorful and creamy. It's one of the key ingredients of Caprese Salad.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves are essential to add a touch of aroma and fragrance to the salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality olive oil is used to dress the salad and add flavour.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These are used to season the salad.
My twist to Insalata Caprese
This vibrant and refreshing Caprese salad takes the classic Italian favourite to a delightful Mediterranean fusion.
I made a twist on this salad using halloumi and mint as well, both in the form of pesto and fresh mint.
I wanted to share this salad with you now that there are still some juicy tomatoes. Although this is the most simple salad you can make, don’t think that the taste will be simple as well, as it is full of flavour.
I do not give any specific amounts but depending on the slices of your tomatoes, you will need a slice of halloumi and a leaf of mint.
Ingredients needed:
- Ripe medium size tomatoes
- Halloumi slices
- Mozzarella Balls
- Mint pesto
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Oregano
- Olive oil
Directions
- Peel (optional) and slice the tomatoes.
- Season each piece of tomato with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add ½ teaspoon pesto on each slice of tomato.
- Top each piece of tomato with mozzarella, alternating with halloumi, a mint leaf and a basil leaf.
- Sprinkle some dried oregano on top and a drizzle of olive oil.
A Different Approach to Insalata Caprese
Insalata Caprese is a traditional Italian salad that takes its name from the island of Capri, located off the coast of Campania. This salad is known for its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe medium size plum tomatoes, cut into slices
- 100 grams fresh mozzarella balls
- 150 grams halloumi slices
- 2 tablespoon mint pesto
- Fresh Mint and Basil Leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Oregano
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Wash, peel and slice the tomatoes
- Season each piece of tomato with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add some mint pesto on each slice of tomato.
- Top each slice of tomato with mozzarella and a basil leaf, alternating with a slice of tomato, halloumi, a mint leaf.
- End with a sprinkle of some of sea salt, black pepper and dried oregano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 336Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 49mgSodium 525mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 16g
"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."
Kopiaste and Kali Orexi!
Awesome twist to the insalata caprese!
I like your take on insalata Caprese, halloumi and mint pesto? FABULOUS! I would love this!
I just love caprese salad. Like you say, it's simple to make and just so yummy. I like the idea of using mint instead of basil. I'll have to give it a try. I'm getting some lovely tomatoes in my CSA these days.
A wonderful salad! Thanks for the award and congrats! Great to learn more about you!
Cheers and have a nice Sunday,
Rosa
I love the presentation of the salad you put together. It's super inviting with the tomatoes displayed like that. Mint sounds really great in there too!
Thanks a bunch for the awards. It's nice to be thought of among good friends and good times. Meme's are fun too when it comes to learning about each other 🙂
A refreshing salad,mint and halloumi must be just as good.Thanks for passing the award to me,dear Ivy 😀
Looks and sounds delicious Ivy. Quite refreshing ... light and yet filling all at once. I love salads and I haven't had halloumi in a long time ... looks like when I visit Astoria today I will have to pick some up from one of the many Greek stores there.
This looks so good. I think I'll go get some halloumi soon and try it this way.
It was nice to learn more about you Ivy! Thanks for sharing and passing it on to me. Your salad looks so fresh and delicious!
dear ivy,i'm so surprised by awards!thank you very much,i'm honored!
btw,caprese salad is beautiful!
I think when you're dealing with Mediterranean flavors and ingredients, they are interchangeable. Basil for Mint, great! Halloumi for Mozzarella ditto.
A lovely twist...basil and mint do go well together and Halloumi is again, the star here.
Love the mint. great idea.
...lovely pics too, I can smell the herbs from here!
A nice twist Ivy on an Italian classic...delicious! Extra halloumi for me please!