Simple Balsamic Glazed Caprese Salad

This classic Caprese Salad pairs NJ tomatoes with basil, mozzarella and a sweet balsamic glaze. This simple side dish is something I serve again and again. It's my favorite summer tomato recipe. I just can't seem to stop eating the NJ tomatoes! 

When Jersey tomatoes are in season, I am always in foodie heaven.

They are so good eaten with just a bit of sea salt, but there are so many flavorful summer tomato recipes.  Caprese salad has always been a simple favorite of mine. It's simple, tasty, and really lets the flavor of the tomatoes shine.

Local NJ Tomatoes

I grow some of my own tomatoes but I also like to get them from local farms when I can. I frequently visit the Collingswood Farmers Market where I always find some gorgeous tomatoes.   These heirloom ones are from Savoie Organic Farms, but I have also purchased some from Springdale Farms and Fruitwood Farms this season. There are so many NJ tomato vendors at the market, and they all carry delicious tomatoes!

I make Caprese salad in various ways, but this recipe is simple, easy and good!  I love fresh Jersey tomatoes in many forms, especially when they come from a NJ farm or my garden.

Do yourself a favor and also buy some fresh mozarella cheese. It's creamy and goes perfect with juicy, ripe tomatoes.

Tomatoes With Basil

I don't know what it is about fresh tomatoes with basil, but it is a flavor I can't seem to get enough of in the summer.

Fresh basil is wonderful to have in my garden and it's so easy to grow – even in a container on the porch. Early in the season, I bought a few plants from the market, so now I can pick basil for my Caprese salad whenever I want to.

What is Balsamic Glaze?

Another thing I love on this salad is balsamic glaze. I have gotten into the habit of putting it on everything. It is a sweet thick form of balsamic vinegar. I like the tart but sweet flavor and it makes so many foods taste better. 

Move over ketchup, as this works well on sandwiches, roasted veggies, salads, chicken and fish. I can't get enough of the stuff, and I always grab a few inexpensive bottles at Trader Joe's.

Balsamic Glaze Cooking Tip:

To make your own balsamic glaze, you can cook down a cup of balsamic vinegar. Pour it in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Cook until it is reduced by half, and you will have a nice tangy sauce. It can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and will keep for several weeks. 

Recipes to Serve Caprese Salad With

• Perfect Grilled Steak
• Healthier Shrimp Scampi
• Baked Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Rounds
• Italian Grilled Chicken from To Simply Inspire

More Summer Tomato Recipes

• Tomato Pesto Caprese Bites
• Three Cheese Tomato Basil Pie
• Jersey Tomato Sandwich
• Heirloom Tomato and Chickpea Salad
• Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

So go ahead and get some fresh local tomatoes and basil. Make this salad. Then ask someone to pass the balsamic.

If you like this Balsamic Glazed Caprese Salad, please leave a 5-star rating.

RECIPE

First Published August 2018 ; Updated June 2021

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