Swap tomatoes for sweet, smoky roasted peppers in this twist on the classic Caprese salad. Layered with creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a simple balsamic drizzle, it's a 5-minute lunch that feels effortlessly elegant. One bite and you'll keep a jar of roasted peppers in your pantry forever.
5slicesfresh mozzarellaapproximately 125g / 4.5 oz
5piecesroasted red peppersapproximately 100g / 3.5 oz, from a jar or homemade
½tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
1pinchsaltto taste
1pinchfreshly ground black pepperto taste
4-5piecesfresh basil leavesroughly chopped
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Instructions
Arrange the mozzarella slices on a plate in a single layer or in an overlapping row. Pat the roasted peppers dry with a paper towel, then lay one piece of pepper over each mozzarella slice.
5 slices fresh mozzarella, 5 pieces roasted red peppers
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the mozzarella and peppers. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then scatter the chopped fresh basil over the top. Serve immediately.
Storage: Best eaten immediately. Dressed salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but mozzarella texture softens overnight.Make-Ahead: Slice the mozzarella and portion out the peppers ahead of time; store separately and assemble just before serving.Substitutions: Use burrata instead of mozzarella for an extra-creamy upgrade, or swap balsamic vinegar for a thick balsamic glaze for more sweetness.Pro Tip: Pat the roasted peppers dry with a paper towel before plating — excess liquid will dilute the balsamic dressing and make the plate watery.Variation: Add a handful of peppery rocket (arugula) underneath for a more substantial salad.