We’ve enjoyed caprese salad for as long as we remember. It’s refreshing, filling and pretty multi-purpose. The reason why we call it multipurpose is because it just goes well with steak as a side dish, as a starter on its own, or as a mid-day snack to keep the sudden cravings at odd hours, under control.

A typical caprese salad is bursting with flavor, color, texture, aroma and freshness: tomatoes, cottage cheese or mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar… or both for an extra zing.

So, how do you get the perfect caprese on your plate? It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s delicious!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Tomatoes (thick slices)

Mozzarella cheese balls (thick slices)

A bunch of basil leaves

Olive oil to drizzle

Balsamic vinegar

Salt to taste (optional)

Here’s what you need to do:

Pour 1 cup of balsamic vinegar in a pot and slowly bring it to a boil. Reduce the balsamic vinegar as much as you like. (It’s best to keep a close watch on it, so you don’t burn it). Ideally, it should turn into slightly thick gravy like consistency. Once the glaze is ready, let it cool and put aside. Cut the tomatoes in thick round slices. Cut the mozzarella just like the tomatoes. Plate up the mozzarella cheese and tomatoes on a platter, alternating each. Take lots of basil and decorate on top of the ripe tomato and mozzarella. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on the cheese, tomatoes and basil. Drizzle the reduced balsamic vinegar. While this will taste great as is — you may add a dash of salt if you like. It really depends on how you like it. Enjoy it as is or serve as an appetizer, or a side dish with steaks, tenderloin, or your favorite grilled meat dish.

The caprese salad can really go with everything — it only enhances the flavor and makes the meal more enjoyable! Also, if you’ve got some leftover balsamic reduction — drizzle it on your beef — trust me, you won’t regret it!

The caprese salad is SO EASY. You really wouldn’t want to go to store to buy a packed version. Just head to your kitchen and enjoy this quick yumminess. Some days, when you’re too lazy to bother, you can head towards your nearby restaurant to enjoy the salad with beef steak. It’s always worth it!

Do you have your own caprese salad recipe? Do you like this recipe? YAY or NAY? Share your comments below!