Description
These Caprese Stacks layer slices of sweet juicy summer tomatoes with creamy fresh mozzarella, basil, and slices of grilled zucchini, all drizzled with a simple, delicious balsamic vinaigrette. This amped-up version of classic Caprese salad makes a beautiful summer appetizer or light lunch
Adapted from a recipe in Cooking Light Magazine
Ingredients
Scale
Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1/2 teaspoon finely minced garlic
Grilled Zucchini:
- 2 large zucchini, each cut diagonally into 8 slices
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Caprese Stacks:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 ripe heirloom tomatoes, each cut into 4 or 5 (1/4-inch-thick) slices
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 10 slices
- Grilled zucchini slices (from above)
- 25-30 whole fresh basil leaves
- 10 basil leaves, stacked and thinly sliced
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Instructions
Make The Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk oil, balsamic, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
Grill the Zucchini:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Coat both sides of zucchini with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Arrange the zucchini on the hot grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until tender and lightly charred.
Assemble the Stacks:
- Drizzle a serving platter or individual plates with a little olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Arrange the 5 largest tomato slices on top.
- Top each tomato slice with two grilled zucchini slices, arranged side by side.
- Top with a slightly smaller tomato slice, followed by a slice of fresh mozzarella.
- Repeat with another tomato slice and another slice of mozzarella, then finish with a grilled zucchini slice.
- Tuck whole basil leaves between the layers. Drizzle the stacks with the balsamic vinaigrette and garnish with the sliced basil. Finish with a sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Brunch, Lunch
- Method: grill
- Cuisine: Italian