Introducing Start Local, a new recipe series from The Land Connection in partnership with the Illinois Farm Bureau! Each recipe is designed with everyday cooks in mind, using ingredients from your local farmers markets, and filling in the rest with ingredients from the grocery store. So grab your shopping bag, meet your local farmers, and discover what’s in season across Illinois with Start Local!
Tomato Caprese Salad
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Serrated knife
- measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter
Ingredients
Farmers Market Ingredients
- 3 medium fresh tomatoes, cut into slices or into ¼ inch pieces (use a serrated knife if you are slicing them)
- 10 fresh basil leaves, rolled up and cut into narrow ribbons
Grocery Store Ingredients
- ½ lb mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gently wash produce under cool running water, pat dry, and prepare as directed.
- For a chopped salad, put all of the ingredients in a bowl, add the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and stir gently.
- For slices, alternate tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle the olive oil over the top, and garnish with the basil ribbons.
Notes
Substitutions
- Olive Oil: Balsamic vinegar, or 1 Tbsp balsamic and 1 Tbsp olive oil.
- Tomatoes: Any type or size of fresh tomato, cut into uniform pieces and served as a chopped salad.
The Start Local recipe series is generously supported by Illinois Farm Bureau.
