Ombré Caprese Salad

We’ve been cooking a lot more during quarantine, and one of my go-tos (when I do make it to the store for produce!) is quick and easy for all those seeking a simple summer salad recipe everyone will enjoy. And if you have a porch for al fresco dining when it cools down at night, even better! While we still can’t gather per usual, finding family recipes everyone loves can make special memories. Like Lolli’s Potluck Pasta Salad, this “Ombré Caprese Salad” recipe is a summertime staple in our family, and it’s “easy as pie” as we say in the South..actually easier than pie, to be honest. 5 minutes max (if you’re not interrupted).

Ombré Caprese Salad

Ingredients

  • 6-9 Heirloom tomatoes in assortment of colors (red, orange, yellow), sliced
  • 2 balls of fresh Buffalo mozzarella like this or similar, sliced (Some grocery stores sell pre-sliced mozzarella logs, too, which is even quicker!)
  • 1 package of fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic glaze of choice (I like this “Super Dense” one I love)
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Most farmers markets and grocery stores have an assortment of heirloom tomatoes in fun shapes and sizes throughout the summer. I buy 2-3 of each color for this recipe.

Slice the tomatoes into rounds and arrange in an oval or circle on a serving tray in groupings by shade. Slide your slices of buffalo mozzarella in between the tomatoes along with sprigs of fresh basil. (There is no science to this; just do what looks good to you!) Fill in the middle with smaller slices of tomato, cherry tomatoes and little mozzarella balls, or a scoop of pretty pesto in the center for other ideas.

Photo by Mikkel Vang via Domino

Drizzle balsamic glaze or vinegar along with olive oil in a zig zag pattern over everything (or use your own artistic license!). Sprinkle with salt and fresh-cracked pepper, then VOILA, Y’ALL!™ Summer is served:

Any leftovers are great again thrown in a glass pan and baked for a warm alternative to this delicious dish (A favorite recipe for this by blogger friend @cattlebaronincashmere can be found here!). There are several other delicious ways to serve up ombré tomatoes, too, so don’t let any go to waste! For instance, we like to chop up any remaining tomatoes and use as a Bruschetta topping on toasts for a great hors d’oeuvres offering!

How beautiful is this Tomato Rainbow Bruschetta? Perfect for serving as the highlight of a brunch spread:

Photo via Leaf & Grain

Most of what makes a meal delicious is the company, the heart behind it, and of course, the presentation! Here is some tablescape inspiration for serving up all your summer spreads and salads with Southern style:

Let us know if you try this recipe by tagging @lolliandme on Instagram or Facebook! We’d love to see how your OMBRÉ CAPRESE SALAD turns out in all its versions. Stay well! XO, Lolli and Me

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