Regular caprese salads are a classic, but they rely on fresh, in-season tomatoes for their great flavor. A caprese-inspired salad can deliver the same flavor profile that you crave, even when vine tomatoes aren’t in season. Use cherry tomatoes as a more reliable year-round alternative and a pesto dressing that provides that basil kick without having to rely on fresh herbs. Oh, and keep the mozzarella — always keep the mozzarella.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Total Time: 10 min
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
Salad:
2-3 cups baby spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cut to roughly same size as tomatoes
½ tablespoon balsamic reduction, optional
Toasted pine nuts, optional
Pesto dressing:
1 tablespoon store-bought pesto
½ tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Small squeeze fresh lemon juice
Photo by Bernard Wen
Directions:
1. Combine spinach, tomatoes and mozzarella in large bowl. Whisk pesto dressing ingredients together then drizzle it and the balsamic reduction over the salad.
Photo by Bernard Wen
2. Toss to distribute dressing evenly and top with pine nuts.
Photo by Bernard Wen