Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with our Georgia Caprese Salad with Lime Vinaigrette! This delightful twist on the classic Italian dish combines juicy, ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella with a zesty lime dressing that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a light meal, this salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes and fresh basil leaves thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange these slices in a single layer on a serving platter.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into similar 1/4-inch thick rounds, ensuring each slice is even and clean-cut.
- Alternate placing the mozzarella slices between the tomato slices, creating an overlapping pattern across the platter.
- Prepare the lime vinaigrette by combining fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well emulsified.
- Gently tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces, distributing them evenly over the tomato and mozzarella arrangement.
- Drizzle the prepared lime vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring an even distribution of the dressing.
- Let the salad rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose the Best Tomatoes: For the freshest flavor, select ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom varieties are especially delicious and add a pop of color to your salad.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for high-quality fresh mozzarella, preferably in water. It has a creamier texture and a richer taste that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Basil Freshness: Always use fresh basil leaves for the best aroma and flavor. If you can, tear them by hand instead of cutting with a knife to preserve their essential oils.
- Emulsify the Dressing: When whisking the lime vinaigrette, ensure it is well combined. This will help the flavors meld beautifully and coat the salad evenly.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing it helps the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
- Serve at Room Temperature: This salad is best enjoyed at room temperature, which allows the flavors to shine. Avoid refrigerating it before serving.
- Experiment with Additions: Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, grilled peaches, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
