Delicious and Easy: Using Roasted Bell Pepper in Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that consists of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. This simple and refreshing salad can be enhanced with the addition of roasted bell pepper, which adds a smoky, sweet flavor and a pop of color. In this blog post, we will explore how to use roasted bell pepper in Caprese salad for a delicious and easy twist on a classic dish.

Roasting Bell Pepper

Roasting bell pepper is easy and can be done in several ways. One way is to place the bell pepper on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven until the skin is charred. Another way is to roast the bell pepper on a gas stove or grill until the skin is blistered. Once the bell pepper is roasted, place it in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap to steam for a few minutes. Once the bell pepper is cool enough to handle, remove the skin, seeds, and stem and slice it into strips.

Making Caprese Salad with Roasted Bell Pepper

To make Caprese salad with roasted bell pepper, start by slicing fresh tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into equal-sized slices. Arrange the slices on a plate or platter, alternating between the tomato and mozzarella slices. Add strips of roasted bell pepper on top of the cheese and tomato slices, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.

Dressing the Salad

To dress the salad, drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Alternatively, you can use a balsamic glaze or a flavored vinegar, such as red wine or raspberry vinegar. Add a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Variations

Caprese salad with roasted bell pepper can be customized in several ways. For a heartier salad, add slices of avocado or prosciutto. For a vegan option, replace the mozzarella cheese with a vegan cheese alternative, such as cashew cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as mint or parsley, to add different flavors and aromas.

Conclusion

Using roasted bell pepper in Caprese salad is an easy and delicious way to add a new twist to a classic dish. Roasting bell pepper adds a smoky, sweet flavor and a pop of color to the salad. Making Caprese salad with roasted bell pepper is simple and can be customized to your liking with various herbs, toppings, and dressings. Give it a try and discover a new favorite way to enjoy Caprese salad.