Stacked Caprese Salad

One of the classic presentations of caprese salad

 

The magical combination of simple flavors is another wonderful thing about caprese salad, and admittedly one of my favorites. I just love the flavors of fresh basil, tomatoes and balsamic vinegar! However, I find that the classic presentations of caprese salad make it a bit difficult to eat. Don't get me wrong, the classic presentations are beautiful and I've done them many times. I just find the spread of layers and whole leaves of basil difficult to serve and to eat. Luckily I'm a problem solver, so this Stacked Caprese Salad was created with solutions in mind!

 

Nutrition Info & Health Benefits

• Tomatoes have been studied extensively for their health benefits. Not only do they contain potassium, vitamin C and carotenoids that the body can turn into vitamin A, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants. Lycopene, which is found in large amounts in tomatoes, may help keep the heart healthy and fight cancer (source). Click here for a comprehensive article on the health benefits of tomatoes.
• Basil is small but mighty, providing vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese and magnesium (source). It also contains antioxidants and volatile oils that research has shown provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties (source).
• Mozzarella is made from milk, so it provides the protein, calcium, and vitamin A typical of dairy products.
• Olive Oil has also been studied extensively and is almost universally considered a healthy oil. It's rich in both monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, and research has repeatedly shown that olive oil can help reduce inflammation, protect the heart, and maybe even protect against cancer (source).
• Balsamic Vinegar may surprise you with the benefits it offers. Not only does the acidity improve digestion, but since balsamic vinegar is made from red grapes, it contains antioxidants similar to those found in red wine! (source)

Tips, Tricks & Ingredients:

• All amounts listed in the ingredients below are approximate. One of the best things about this salad is that it can be tailored to your personal tastes! If you love fresh basil, add more. Change the amount of salt, olive oil and/or balsamic vinegar, if desired. This salad can be made to fit your personal preferences.
• I prefer to use vine ripened or beefsteak tomatoes instead of roma tomatoes. I also prefer to purchase pre-sliced mozzarella, but you can certainly slice your own if you prefer or if you cannot find pre-sliced mozzarella at your local grocery store. Just be sure to use fresh mozzarella! It's easy to distinguish from low-moisture mozzarella because fresh mozzarella is always sealed in a package with liquid (water, whey or brine).
• Good olive oil is essential, but let's face it: quality olive oil is expensive! I buy my olive oil at Costco. Check out my post on 30 Organic Pantry Items to Buy at Costco for more information.
• A good knife is important, especially when you are slicing tomatoes! I have owned J.A. Henckles knives for years and love them. My choice for slicing tomatoes is my 7-inch santoku hollow edge knife, but any of them would work.

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Stacked Caprese Salad

This Stacked Caprese Salad combines all the flavors of classic caprese salad, but stacking it makes it easy to serve and eat! Perfect as an appetizer at your next party or even as a side dish or light lunch, this Stacked Caprese Salad is low-carb and full of flavor.

Gluten-free | Grain-free | Egg-free | Nut-free | Low-carb | Keto

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 6 stacks

Calories 148 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 medium tomatoes
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• ¼ cup cup fresh basil, sliced thinly
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes into ¼ - ½ inch pieces and sliver the basil. If not using pre-sliced mozzarella, slice it in ¼ - ½ inch pieces (to match the tomatoes).
2. Arrange a layer of tomatoes on a platter. Drizzle with half of the olive oil (2 Tbsp) and sprinkle with half of the salt (⅛ tsp) and one third of the slivered basil (1-2 Tbsp). Lay a slice of mozzarella on top of each tomato slice. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with another tablespoon or so of slivered basil. Place the last slice of tomato on top of each slice of mozzarella. Drizzle with the other half of the olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining salt and basil.

Nutrition Facts

Stacked Caprese Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 148 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 14mg5%

Sodium 218mg9%

Potassium 117mg3%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 520IU10%

Vitamin C 5.8mg7%

Calcium 101mg10%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Enjoy!