Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

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Created on September 13th, 2025 at 05:36 pm

Classic Italian salad with a sweet, tangy twist

This Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction is the kind of dish that instantly elevates any meal — no oven required! Juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil are layered to perfection and finished with a rich, syrupy balsamic glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, whipping up a light lunch, or looking for the perfect keto side dish, this salad brings flavor and elegance with minimal effort. It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a beautiful yet breezy option for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. With bold Italian flavor and stunning presentation, this is a recipe that’s as pretty as it is delicious!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caprese Salad is more than just a side dish — it’s a showstopper that fits seamlessly into everyday meals or special occasions. With simple ingredients and no complicated prep, it’s ideal for meal preppers, busy parents, or anyone craving fresh, vibrant flavors. The homemade balsamic reduction adds a gourmet touch without much extra work, and it can be stored for future use on salads, meats, or roasted veggies. The balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds. It’s low-carb, naturally gluten-free, and a dream for keto cooks, too. Elegant, easy, and endlessly versatile!

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 8

📝 Ingredients List

16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
3–4 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
Drizzle of olive oil
Ground black pepper, to taste
Flaked sea salt, to taste
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon allulose (or sugar substitute of choice), optional

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

Small saucepan
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Whisk
Large serving plate
Airtight containers for storage

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Make the balsamic reduction:
Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add allulose (if using) and whisk to combine.
Simmer gently:
Set the pan over low heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, whisking often, until the liquid is reduced by half and slightly syrupy. 🥄
🔥 Don’t rush — too much heat can burn the vinegar!
Prep your salad ingredients:
While the reduction simmers, wash and slice the tomatoes. Slice mozzarella into even rounds. Pick whole basil leaves from stems.
Arrange the salad:
On a large plate, layer tomato slices in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly. Add a mozzarella slice and a basil leaf between each tomato slice. 🍅🧀🌿
Season the salad:
Drizzle with olive oil, grind fresh pepper on top, and sprinkle generously with flaked sea salt.
Finish with balsamic glaze:
Once the reduction has cooled slightly, drizzle it over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Keep leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Balsamic glaze stores for up to 1 month.
Sweetener Swap: Allulose gives a keto-friendly glaze, but honey or maple syrup work too (if not keto).
Meal Prep: Make the balsamic reduction ahead — it keeps well and tastes amazing on roasted veggies or grilled meat.
Serving Idea: Try stacking tomato, mozzarella, and basil vertically on skewers for a party-friendly appetizer twist!

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.