With tomato season almost here, I am getting very excited for all the fresh salads I can make. Nothing beats an heirloom tomato in the summertime. I am most excited for this caprese arugula salad. A Caprese salad is a traditional Italian salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. I like to spice it up by adding leafy greens and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • Heirloom Tomatoes – I love heirloom tomatoes, they are large, flavorful, and colorful. But if you can’t find any good ones, you can use any tomatoes here.
  • Mozzarella Balls – I personally like to use the small mozz balls for this salad, but you can also use larger balls and tear them into smaller pieces.
  • Arugula – I love arugula, but you can use any leafy green here.
  • Aged Balsamic – Make sure to pick a nice aged balsamic glaze for this! This is to top the salad with.
@kellyscleankitchen

How to make a caprese arugula salad perfect for upcoming tomato season #capresesalad #caprese #salad

♬ You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra
  • SERVINGS:  6
  • PREP TIME: 20 Mins
  • COOK TIME: 0 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 20 Min

Ingredients:

  • Dressing:
    • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 shallot, minced
    • 1 garlic clove, grated
    • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • 1.5 cups avocado oil
  • 4 cups arugula
  • 4 large heirloom tomatoes, cored and cut into large slices
  • 2 cups mozzarella balls
  • 1/2 cup basil, chiffanade
  • Aged balsamic glaze to finish
  • Maldon salt to finish

Preparation:

STEP 1.

Make the balsamic dressing. In a blender or container for your immersion blender, add the balsamic vinegar, shallot, mustard, honey, garlic, salt and Italians seasoning. Blend until mixed.

While blending, slowly add the oil a little bit at a time to emulsify. Add until you reach desired thickness. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.

STEP 2.

Add the arugula to a large salad bowl and dress with the balsamic dressing. Add just enough to dress the salad. You most likely won’t use all of the dressing.

STEP 3.

Top the salad with the tomatoes, mozz balls and basil. Drizzle the aged balsamic on top and finish with maldon salt. Serve and enjoy!

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