Bacon Caprese Salad- a caprese salad tastes even better with the addition of salty, crunchy bacon pieces. Such a great summer recipe!
I’m guessing pretty much everyone is familiar with a caprese salad, that wonderful combination of fresh tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, usually topped with a balsamic reduction. It’s a simple salad and it really works. Simple is often the best. But doesn’t everything taste batter with bacon? I think so.
A balsamic syrup and olive oil get drizzled on as a dressing for this salad. To make the balsamic syrup, all you need to do is reduce balsamic vinegar. It makes the vinegar taste sweeter and intensifies the flavor.
BACON CAPRESE SALAD RECIPE TIPS:
As with any caprese salad, you want to be sure to use really fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes. I love using heirloom tomatoes. I get them in a variety of colors at the farmers market. They come in beautiful reds, purples, and yellows.
For an even creamier, richer flavor, use burrata cheese instead of mozzarella.
You can use any type of bacon, but I like thick-cut bacon best for this recipe.
Be sure to season well with salt and pepper. They really elevate the flavor of both the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Balsamic vinegars vary in their sweetness. If yours tastes more acidic and doesn’t have much sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of honey to the balsamic vinegar as it reduces.
More Amazing Summer Salads To Try:
- Creamy Italian Cucumber Salad
- Tomato Cracker Salad
- Grilled Zucchini-Corn Salad
- Jalapeno Popper Grilled Corn Salad
Bacon Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 to 5 medium heirloom tomatoes,, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 (16-ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into slices
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon,, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Place balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half. Let cool.
- Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving platter.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with reduced balsamic vinegar and oil. Sprinkle chopped bacon on top and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
