Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/20 checked
4
servings
1 tbsp

Pine Nuts

Toasted

1 cup

Green and Black Olives

Pitted

1 tsp

Anchovy Paste

1 clove

Garlic

1 tsp

Capers

0.5 tsp

Fresh Thyme Leaves

4 unit

Basil Leaves

3 tbsp

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 pinch

Himalayan Salt

1 pinch

Black Pepper

1 tbsp

Raw Honey

1 tsp

Dijon Mustard

3 tbsp

Balsamic Vinegar

6 unit

Basil Leaves

Chiffonade

0.5 cup

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 pinch

Himalayan Salt

1 pinch

Black Pepper

4 unit

Heirloom Tomatoes

Sliced

0.75 pound

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Sliced

6 unit

Basil Leaves

Chiffonade

Step 1
~2 min

Toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, shaking often, until lightly browned.

Step 2
~2 min

Cool the toasted pine nuts slightly.

Step 3
~2 min

Combine toasted pine nuts, pitted green and black olives, anchovy paste, garlic, capers, fresh thyme leaves, and basil leaves in a food processor.

Step 4
~2 min

Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.

Step 5
~2 min

With the processor running, add extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream until a paste forms.

Step 6
~2 min

Season the olive tapenade with Himalayan salt or sea salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7
~2 min

Cover and refrigerate the olive tapenade if not using immediately; it can be made up to 1 week ahead.

Step 8
~2 min

To make the dressing, whisk together raw honey, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and chiffonade basil in a bowl.

Step 9
~2 min

Gradually whisk in extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified.

Step 10
~2 min

Season the honey basil vinaigrette with Himalayan salt or sea salt and pepper to taste.

Step 11
~2 min

Cover and refrigerate the dressing if not using immediately; it can be made up to 1 day ahead.

Step 12
~2 min

To assemble the salad, place a slice of heirloom tomato on a small plate.

Step 13
~2 min

Add a tablespoon of olive tapenade to the tomato slice.

Step 14
~2 min

Top with a slice of fresh mozzarella.

Step 15
~2 min

Sprinkle with chiffonade basil.

Step 16
~2 min

Continue layering tomato slices (using different colors), olive tapenade, mozzarella, and basil until the stack reaches the desired height.

Step 17
~2 min

End the stack with a tomato slice topped with a dab of olive tapenade.

Step 18
~2 min

Drizzle the salad with the sweet honey basil vinaigrette.

Step 19
~2 min

Sprinkle with additional chiffonade basil leaves.

Step 20
~2 min

Serve the stacked Caprese salad immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Make the tapenade and dressing ahead of time to save time.

Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing to suit your taste.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

Tapenade and vinaigrette can be made ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an appetizer or light lunch.

Pair with grilled bread or crackers.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled vegetables
Prosciutto

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

Caprese salad represents the colors of the Italian flag.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Summer holidays
Italian festivals

Occasion Tags

Summer
Party
Lunch
Appetizer

Popularity Score

75/100

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