The classic dish of Caprese salad originated from the Isle of Capri, becoming famous for it's simplicity and fresh ingredients.It consists of a fascinating combination of flesh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and green fresh basil leaves, all drenched with olive oil, thus well representing the Mediterranean diet. In truth, the star of Caprese salad is nothing but quality ingredients. The sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes gives it a burst of ripe flavour, while fresh mozzarella would provide a rich, milky flavour and silky-soft texture complementary to the tomatoes. This refreshing caprese salad recipe is perfect for summer gatherings. Then comes the fragrant herbal note with the fresh basil leaves, elevating the dish and adding refreshing brightness; The Caprese salad is ready. It is arranged by simply slicing up the tomatoes and mozzarella randomly around a plate, entwined with each other and the leaves of fresh basil are scattered over them. This a simple recipe of caprese salad that creates quite a colorful and inviting presentation. It's finished with a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Caprese salad is also not only a feast for the eyes but is also incredibly diverse. It can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, and a light main course, especially during warm months. The ingredients for this salad can vary. For eg, you can add balsamic vinegar, avocado, and even a hint of pesto for added flavour. Be it whatever style, caprese salad either simply munched upon at a picnic or featured in a more sophisticated meal-is a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients and evoke the spirit of Italian food.

• 200 gms mozzarella cheese
• 4 tomato
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• First, a good Caprese salad is prepared by washing four ripe tomatoes and a bunch of fresh basil leaves. The quality of your ingredients depends on how bright red and firm the tomatoes should be, along with fragrant basil leaves that will add flavour to your dish.
• Once you have washed and prepared all your ingredients, chop the tomatoes into 1 cm slices. Uniformity ensures that you'll have an even presentation of salad and that the feel is consistent throughout.
• Next, slice 200 gms of fresh mozzarella into 1 cm thick slices. The mozzarella is soft, but pairing it with fresh tomatoes gives you a great flavour and texture. Having dressed your tomatoes and mozzarella, it is now time to build.
• Layer the tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil slices on a large platter in an alternating pattern.
• Now that you have all your salad components arranged, it's time to dress them up. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the arranged slices.
• The richness and fruitiness will add so much to the tomatoes and mozzarella that the taste of the oil will enrich this dish. After spreading the oil, sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper on the salad.
• The salt will bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, and the black pepper gives a subtle kick that will elevate the richness of the mozzarella.
• For an aromatic flavour, serve the Caprese salad immediately, allowing you to experience the best flavours of fresh ingredients. For a deeper taste, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving it, as long as you don't mind waiting for a bit while the flavours infuse together.
• Refrigerating the salad cools down the ingredients, allowing the olive oil and liquids obtained from the tomatoes to combine, thereby flavouring them deliciously.
• Serve this spectacular salad on a well-shaped platter with a few more fresh basil leaves to create a splash of colour. In every bite, you get a union of moist tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and the fragrance of basil, all tossed in rich olive oil and seasoned just right.
• The recipe of Caprese salad is one perfect light appetiser along with grilled meats as a side, or just as a simple meal for one of those warm sunny days.
• What's appetising about this is that it tastes great and it's simple. The freshness of the ingredients stays alive without being wholly drowned out by heavy dressing or overcomplicated preparation.
• You get to have a colourful healthy salad as it brings the essence of Italian cuisine all in just a few steps. Savour the delight of serving this ancient classic dish to family and friends, or relish it for yourself alone. However you would like to enjoy it, a Caprese is guaranteed to amaze with its freshness and rich flavour for a gathering or as a mid-day snack.