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Fresh Caprese Peach Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Basil Oil Topping

Fresh Caprese Peach Salad - featured image
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A vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad using juicy peaches instead of tomatoes, topped with a fragrant homemade basil oil and flaky sea salt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 ripe peaches, sliced
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella ball or pearls
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1–2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: cracked black pepper for added texture
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Gently warm ½ cup (120 ml) of extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves to the warm oil and let steep for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat and allow the oil to cool slightly.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice into the basil oil. Optionally strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or leave basil leaves in for a rustic look.
  5. Wash and dry 3-4 ripe peaches. Slice into even wedges about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
  6. Drain and slice mozzarella to a similar thickness as peaches, or halve mozzarella pearls if using.
  7. Arrange peach and mozzarella slices alternately on a large serving platter, tucking fresh basil leaves between slices.
  8. Drizzle the basil oil generously over the salad, coating peaches and mozzarella evenly.
  9. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons flaky sea salt evenly over the salad, followed by freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves and serve immediately, allowing flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.

Notes

Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid mushiness. Keep oil warm, not hot, when infusing basil to prevent bitterness. Use flaky sea salt for texture and flavor. Prepare basil oil first to allow cooling and infusion. Slice peaches and mozzarella just before serving to maintain freshness. Optionally strain basil oil for a smoother finish. Variations include swapping peaches for nectarines, apricots, or figs; using dairy-free mozzarella for vegan version; adding toasted nuts for crunch; or grilling peaches for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, peach salad, basil oil, summer salad, fresh mozzarella, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-caprese-peach-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-basil-oil-topping/