Do you love plump and juicy, bite-sized tomatoes in your salad? This Healthy Tomato Caprese Salad with Pine Nuts is nutritious and delicious. The tomatoes combined with the mozzarella cheese and sweet Balsamic Glaze make it a healthy go-to lunch for any day of the week.
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INGREDIENTS
- Lettuce - We like to use the spring mix variety in this salad recipe.
- Grape tomatoes - We used red grape tomatoes, but we sometimes add other colors.
- Mozzarella - I always try to keep some of this snacking cheese on hand. Fresh mozzarella is the best!
- Pine nuts - Toasted pine nuts can be frozen to retain freshness. They can be expensive, so we buy them in bulk to cut down on cost.
- Butter - Just a little for toasting the pine nuts.
- Pepper
Dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Lettuce - Arugula would be a great substitute for spring mix. We've made this salad many times without lettuce as well, adding a little basil instead.
- Tomatoes - Any type of tomato will do.
VARIATIONS
- Add-ins - Chicken would go very well in this salad.
- Other - If you like Caprese flavors, try using these basic ingredients to make a sandwich or appetizers. You could even make this Watermelon Caprese.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step One: Prepare the Dressing
There are several ways to prepare homemade salad dressings:
1). Use a bowl to whisk or stir the ingredients together.
2). Put all of your ingredients in a mason jar with a lid, then give it a little shake.
3). Use a stick blender to blend the salad dressing ingredients together. This is helpful if the dressing includes a garlic clove or anchovies.
4). Use an oil and vinegar dispenser with your favorite extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar to drizzle on salads as needed.
Homemade salad dressings are easy to make if you keep some essential ingredients on hand. See our Top 10 Favorite Salad Dressing Recipes for the dressings we love the most.
Step Two: Prepare Ingredients
Wash all lettuce and produce thoroughly, then set it aside to drain in a colander. While lettuce is draining, prepare other ingredients.
Step Three: Toast Pine Nuts
On medium heat, toast pine nuts in 1 tablespoon of butter for 2-3 minutes.
Step Four: Assemble and Serve
Assemble the salad in layers with lettuce on the bottom, followed by tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and toasted pine nuts.
Add a small amount of dressing and give it a good toss. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
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STORAGE
Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator without dressing for 2-3 days. If the salad is moist from being washed, place a paper towel on top of it to draw out the moisture.
MORE RECIPES
Buy pre-washed and ready-to-eat lettuce to save time.
Have leftover ingredients?
- Leftover mozzarella could be used in this Watermelon Caprese.
In the mood for a similar dish?
Try these other salad recipes ideas:
More lunch recipes you will love:
FAQ
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic reduction?
Why are pine nuts so expensive?
📖 Recipe
Tomato Caprese Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts (and Balsamic Glaze)
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1.5 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoon Balsamic glaze
Salad
- 3 oz. Spring mix
- 10 qty Grape tomatoes
- 6 qty Snacking mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon Toasted pine nuts
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
Dressing
- Prepare dressing contents.
Toasted Pine Nuts
- On medium heat, toast pine nuts for 2-3 minutes in one tablespoon of butter.
Salad
- Wash lettuce and set it aside to drain in a colander.
- Wash remaining produce.
- Assemble salad with all ingredients.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top.
- Gently toss the salad and serve immediately.
Food Safety
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
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