Jersey tomatoes are here and I am one happy Jersey girl. Whenever I have a barbecue or summer party, juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella are on the menu. I happened to have some leftover pesto in the fridge so I thought I could jazz up my usual salad. I have to tell you that I am not a jarred sauce kind of girl but when it comes to pesto, I am very non discriminating. Is fresh pesto better? Absolutely. But when it is time to cook in a pinch or during the winter months, I always have a few jars stored in my pantry. The ingredients to make pesto can also be very pricey, so if you are on a grocery budget, it is nice to pick up a jar for only a few dollars. There have been times I used jarred pesto in pasta recipes and have been asked for my special recipe. My motto is don't tell if they don't ask. If you like making your own, go to it. I am sure it will make this recipe even better!
Caprese Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette
2 TBS pesto sauce
2 TBS balsamic vinegar
2 medium sized tomatoes, thickly sliced
8 ounce fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
a handful of fresh chopped basil
sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Whisk together the pesto and vinegar and set aside. Layer the tomatoes and cheese on a platter. Sprinkle with the basil. Drizzle with the dressing then season with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings.
Erica
This is one of my favorite summer salads. Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella are like heaven together! And I must admit...jersey has some SLAMMIN tomatoes
The Japanese Redneck
That's good eating!
Mary
This is a beautiful salad and it is perfect for tomato season. Have a great day, Lisa. Blessings...Mary
Jennifurla
delightful, refreshing, and pretty too
Patsyk
A perfect way to enjoy the Jersey Fresh tomatoes we get this time of year!
That Girl
I picked up some purple basil at the farmer's market and used it to make purple pesto! I have it on my sandwich today!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
So summery!
Roxana GreenGirl
Caprese salad is the one in my house too. So easy to make and so good. Who could resist it?
Shelby
I LOVE Garden fresh tomatoes....tis the season! Love your salad. Will have to try it - I have pesto plans in the very near future...love that stuff too!
teresa
mmm! caprese salad has got to be one of the best things ever invented. this looks amazing!
Katrina
Yum! I would love this!
Jeanette
This encompasses all that summer as to offer - fresh tomatoes and basil!
Cookin' Canuck
The pesto vinaigrette is a wonderful variation for this salad. I can't wait until our garden starts producing some sweet tomatoes.
The Food Hunter
Any chance you want to ship some of those Jersey tomatoes to Phoenix? It's probably the one thing I miss the most.
debbie
This looks so delicious! I love when tomatoes are in season. They are so much better and full of flavor.
Jamie
Looks so fresh and delicious. A perfect summer combo.
Courtney
Looks delicious!! I love our Jersey Tomatoes more than anything!! I always love getting them straight from the farmers. 🙂
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels
I love the idea of a pesto vinaigrette, it looks sooooo good! I can't wait to try this. YUM! 🙂
Leslie
Love love love the basil on top! Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!
Danielle Smith
This looks great! What kind of pesto do you use?
Jersey Girl Cooks
Danielle,
I used pesto from Trader Joe's. It is really good!
coryzalia
Mozzarella cheese lends a sweet flavor to the caprese salad.
Cooking Blog
looks delicious salad.
My Thirty Spot
One of my favorite salads! Thanks for Sharing!
malinda cruey
Hey there luv ur page and thanks for sharing! I thought I seen a recipe for steak and potato salad that u borrowed from a different. Blog staceys snacks but I looked through and can't find it hope u can help thanks!