Red,white and blue caprese salad

Fresh blueberries add a patriotic and fruity twist to this classic Italian salad. It’s a flavorful and surprisingly delicious way to enjoy summer tomatoes and fresh blueberries. Local Washington blueberries come into season in the summer. My kids and I love to go blueberry picking. Blueberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants. They make a perfect healthy snack and are delicious popped into a salad.

Blueberries ad patriotic flair to the classic Caprese salad

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The Caprese salad is a simple classic Southern Italian dish that originated on the island of Capri. In it’s classic form, it simply consists of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil. It is dressed with the best extra virgin olive oil, sea salt (or kosher salt) and pepper. Sometimes it is drizzled with Balsamic Glaze (a reduction of balsamic vinegar). The balsamic glaze adds an acidic sweet punch to each bite. You can buy balsamic glaze at most fine grocery stores. I’ve purchased it at Whole Foods, QFC and Trader Joe’s.

Fresh ingredients and basil make this delicious salad

The key to an amazing Caprese salad is to choose the freshest ingredients possible. That’s why it’s perfect for a summer day when tomatoes are juicy, sweet and in season. Choose a soft all-natural mozzarella cheese like Bel Gioioso Mozzarella and a high quality extra virgin olive oil. Adding fruit in a Caprese salad is a nice twist. In fact, another mouth-watering version is the peach Caprese salad. I make these when the peaches from Eastern Washington start arriving.

Red, white and blue Caprese is a summer favorite

If you are looking for a simple and satisfying dish to bring to a Fourth of July party, look no further. Not only does this this red, white and blue Caprese salad taste amazing, it is easy and fast to prepare. It pairs well with any of your favorite backyard BBQ foods. I’m always on the look out for patriotic-themed party foods that don’t require days or far too many expensive ingredients to prepare. Summer is a time to be outside enjoying the weather rather than slaving away over a stove. This red, white and blue Caprese salad hits the mark.

Have you ever had the addition of fruit in a Caprese salad? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this fresh Italian classic.

Happy cooking,

Michelle

If you make any of my recipes, use #northwestspoon and share your photo.

Red white and blue caprese

Fresh blueberries add a patriotic and fruity twist to this classic Italian salad. It’s a flavorful and surprisingly delicious way to enjoy summer tomatoes and berries.

Serves 4

Ingredients

1. 3 large ripe tomatoes

2. 16 oz fresh mozzarella

3. 1 cup of fresh blueberries

4. 1 bunch fresh basil

5. 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

6. Pinch of sea salt and fresh ground white pepper

7. 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼ inch wide slices. Layer these along a platter, alternating  between tomatoes and cheese. Fill in gaps and top with fresh blueberries.

2. Gently tear the basil and scatter it all over the salad.

3. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Finally, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Source: northwestspoon.com

#blueberry #caprese