A delicious caprese salad! Juicy, sun-ripened nectarines bring a sweet and refreshing twist to the timeless combination of tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil. This vibrant medley of colours and flavours is a playful take on the classic Caprese salad—an iconic Italian dish named after the picturesque island of Capri, where it originated. Traditionally made with just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to mirror the colours of the Italian flag, this updated version adds a touch of natural sweetness and summery flair, making it perfect for warm-weather dining or as a light, elegant starter.
To prepare this recipe with ease and achieve the best possible texture and consistency, you’ll need a blender. Whether you’re using a high-speed jug blender or a compact handheld immersion blender, it will help you create a smooth, well-blended mixture—especially important for sauces, marinades, or purées featured in this dish. Having a blender on hand not only saves time, but also ensures a professional finish with minimal effort.
Caprese salad recipe- ingredient list!
You might be surprised by how short and simple this list of ingredients is, but don’t let that fool you—each one has been carefully chosen to bring something special to the dish. Trust me, when combined, these few humble ingredients work together in perfect harmony to create an incredible burst of flavour that tastes far more complex than it is. This is one of those magical recipes where less really is more.
It’s not only packed with flavour, but also wonderfully quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or those moments when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Better still, every ingredient is budget-friendly, widely available at any supermarket, and easy to handle—no specialist tools or hard-to-find items required. It’s a go-to recipe that proves you don’t need a long shopping list to make something truly delicious and impressive.
Ingredient list;
Dripe tomatoes, 250g/9oz
Cut two large ripe nectarines in half, remove the stones, and weigh around 270g/9½oz.
50g (1¾ oz) of basil
Extra virgin olive oil (80g/2¾oz)
Two mozzarella balls
Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt are optional.
That is it! That is literarily all of the ingredients you need in order to make this delicious meal!
Caprese salad recipe- step by step method!
Step 1
The first step in creating this vibrant Caprese salad with a fruity twist is to prepare the fresh produce. Begin by chopping the tomatoes into medium-to-large chunks—big enough to hold their shape but still easy to bite into. Do the same with the ripe nectarines, slicing them into similarly sized pieces so they match the tomatoes in both appearance and texture. This will help create a balanced bite in every forkful. Once chopped, transfer the tomatoes and nectarines to a colander set over a bowl or sink.
Step 2
Sprinkle over a generous pinch of flaky sea salt and gently stir everything together. The salt will help draw out excess moisture and intensify the natural flavours of the fruit. Let the mixture sit and drain for about 5 minutes, allowing the juices to collect beneath while the ingredients slightly soften and mingle, ready to be transformed into a fresh, flavour-packed salad.
Step 3
Next, turn your attention to the basil, which adds a beautifully fresh and fragrant note to this salad. Gently pick the basil leaves from their stalks, being careful not to bruise them, as this can dull their vibrant colour and flavour. Set aside a few of the smallest, most delicate leaves to use as a final garnish—they’ll add a lovely visual touch to the finished dish.
Step 4
Measure out 40g (or 1½oz) of the remaining basil leaves and place them into a blender, along with the olive oil. Blitz the mixture briefly—just enough to combine the two ingredients and release the aromatic oils from the basil, but not so long that the mixture becomes too smooth or loses its bright green hue.
Step 5
Once blended, pour the basil oil through a fine sieve set over a bowl, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to extract as much of the vibrant liquid as possible. Discard the solids and set the strained basil oil aside; it will serve as a fresh, herbaceous drizzle to bring all the elements of the salad together at the end.
Step 6
Once the tomatoes and nectarines have had a few minutes to drain and intensify in flavour, transfer them gently into a large salad bowl. Choose a bowl that allows the ingredients to spread out slightly rather than pile up, so their beautiful colours and shapes can be seen and appreciated.
Step 7
The vibrant reds of the tomatoes and the golden-orange blush of the nectarines already create a stunning visual contrast, setting the stage for a fresh, summery salad that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Be careful not to pour in too much of the drained liquid—you want the salad to stay fresh and light rather than soggy.
Step 8
Take the mozzarella and cut it into roughly eight generous pieces, aiming to keep them similar in size to the chopped tomatoes and nectarines. This helps ensure a balanced bite every time, with each forkful offering a perfect blend of creamy cheese, juicy fruit, and fragrant herbs. The soft, milky texture of the mozzarella adds a cool, mellow contrast to the sweetness of the nectarines and the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 9
You are almost finished your caprese salad! Once chopped, gently add the mozzarella pieces to the salad bowl, nestling them among the fruit so the ingredients are evenly distributed. Try not to break the cheese apart too much—it’s best left in substantial chunks to showcase its soft, pillowy texture.
Step 10
Now it’s time to finish the caprese salad with a final touch of freshness. Take the small basil leaves you set aside earlier and either tear them gently by hand or roughly chop them with a sharp knife. Tearing by hand releases their natural oils without bruising them too much, preserving their bright, peppery aroma. Scatter the torn or chopped basil over the salad, letting the vibrant green leaves fall naturally among the colourful tomatoes, nectarines, and mozzarella.
Step 11
Then, using clean hands or salad servers, gently toss everything together—just enough to mix the ingredients without breaking them up. Aim for a light, delicate turn so each element is evenly coated and well combined, while still keeping the textures intact. Add a little salt and pepper to taste and drizzle with the basil oil to serve.
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