THE BUDGET GOURMET

Insalata Caprese

pronounced:in-sah-LAH-tah cah-PREH-seh
Tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella salad
Insalata Caprese (salad in the style of Capri) is a simple salad from the Italian region of Campania, made of sliced fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil. In Italy, unlike most salads, it is usually served as an antipasto (first course), not a contorno (side dish).
Like many other mixed salads, insalata caprese is sometimes called insalata tricolore, tricolore referring to the three colors of the Italian flag.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1-2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• Whole fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper

Method:
1. Stack sliced tomato with mozzarella first, then basil leaf
2. Dress with olive oil
3. Season with salt and fresh cracked pepper

Variations:
Garnish with oil cured olives.
Add prosciutto or anchovies and their oil.
Makes a great sandwich on focaccia or ciabatta bread.

Copyleft (2010) The Budget Gourmet