How to make Ketogenic Recipes Mozzarella Tricolore

Mozzarella Tricolore is a classic Italian appetizer that beautifully showcases the fresh, vibrant flavors of Italy’s culinary tradition. This simple yet elegant dish is a celebration of the Italian flag’s colors—green, white, and red—presented through the use of basil leaves, mozzarella cheese, and ripe tomatoes, respectively. It’s a variant of the beloved Caprese salad, epitomizing the essence of Italian cuisine with its focus on quality, simplicity, and the artful combination of ingredients.

At the heart of Mozzarella Tricolore is the mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh and made from buffalo milk for its superior creaminess and delicate texture. The cheese is sliced and artfully arranged with slices of juicy, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, embodying the fresh and aromatic flavors of Italian gardens.

A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper are all that’s needed to dress the dish, accentuating the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them. Balsamic vinegar reduction can also be added for a touch of sweetness and acidity, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Mozzarella Tricolore Recipe

Mozzarella Tricolore

Mozzarella Tricolore is a timeless Italian appetizer that encapsulates the essence of Italian cuisine by showcasing the vibrant colors of the Italian flag through its ingredients—green basil leaves, white mozzarella cheese, and red ripe tomatoes. This dish, a variation of the classic Caprese salad, emphasizes simplicity, quality, and the harmony of flavors, featuring slices of creamy, fresh mozzarella cheese layered with juicy tomatoes and aromatic basil. The ensemble is typically seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sometimes a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction, enhancing the natural tastes without overshadowing them. Mozzarella Tricolore is not just a culinary delight but also a visual treat, representing Italian gastronomy's core principles: utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Ideal as a starter, side dish, or a light meal, it invites you to savor the exquisite balance of textures and flavors that define Italian cuisine.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2 people

Calories 689 kcal

Equipment

• 1 bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 tsp. Stevia
• 1/2 tsp. Crushed thyme
• 3 1/2 oz. Sliced mozzarella
• 1 tsp. Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• 3 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 Avocado
• 2 Sliced tomatoes

Instructions

 

• Take some time to wash off the tomatoes before slicing them and placing onto a serving platter.
• Cut your avocado so it is in half before taking the stone out. slice up and then make it on a layer over the tomatoes before topping it all with the mozzarella.
• Now it is time to bring out a bowl so that you can whisk together the sauce. You can do this by placing the stevia, salt, thyme, apple cider, and oil together.
• Drizzle this over the rest of the meal and enjoy.

Keyword Apple cider vinegar, mozzarella cheese, Stevia

Cooking Tips about Mozzarella Tricolore

• Select High-Quality Ingredients: The key to a standout Mozzarella Tricolore lies in the quality of its components. Choose fresh, buffalo mozzarella for its superior creaminess and delicate flavor. Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh, aromatic basil.
• Slicing Technique: Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes uniformly, about 1/4 inch thick. This not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but ensures that each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Drizzling Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil to drizzle over the assembled dish. Its fruity, peppery notes will complement the creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes beautifully.
• Seasoning: A little goes a long way. Sprinkle the dish with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving to elevate the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
• Balsamic Glaze Option: For an added layer of sweetness and acidity, consider drizzling a balsamic vinegar reduction over the plate. You can make a reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens, or purchase a pre-made balsamic glaze.
• Letting Ingredients Speak: Resist the temptation to add too many additional components. Mozzarella Tricolore thrives on the strength and quality of its three main ingredients, embodying the Italian principle of “less is more.”
• Serving Temperature: Serve the Mozzarella Tricolore at room temperature to ensure that the mozzarella is soft and the flavors are their most pronounced.
• Presentation Matters: Arrange the slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves alternately on a serving plate to mimic the Italian flag. Such a presentation not only pays homage to the dish’s origins but also adds to the dining experience through its visual appeal.

Serving suggestions about Mozzarella Tricolore

• Elegant Presentation: Emphasize the tricolore—green, white, and red—by arranging the basil leaves, mozzarella slices, and tomato slices alternatively in a circular pattern on a large, round plate or a long platter for linear presentation. This mimics the Italian flag and showcases the simplicity and beauty of the dish.
• Drizzle with Care: Just before serving, lightly drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the arranged ingredients. If using a balsamic glaze, apply it in a light crisscross pattern to add visual appeal and a touch of sweetness and acidity without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Seasoning: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper sparingly over the top to enhance the natural flavors. The key is to balance seasoning without overpowering the delicate taste of the fresh mozzarella.
• Fresh Bread Accompaniment: Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread or a fresh baguette on the side. Guests can use the bread to sop up the combined flavors of olive oil, tomato, and cheese, making sure no part of the dish goes to waste.
• Wine Pairing: Enhance the dining experience with a wine pairing. A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the freshness of the mozzarella and tomatoes well, while a sparkling Prosecco can add a celebratory feel to the meal.
• Garnishes and Additions: Consider garnishing with a few additional basil leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance. While the traditional dish is perfect in its simplicity, small additions like a sprinkle of capers or olives can offer a new flavor dimension for those looking to experiment.
• Serving Temperature: Ensure that the mozzarella Tricolore is served at room temperature. This enhances the texture of the cheese and maximizes the dish’s flavor profile.
• Ambiance: To really transport your guests to Italy, set the table with a simple yet elegant tablecloth, some candles, and perhaps even a small vase of flowers. Italian music playing softly in the background can complete the ambiance, making for a truly immersive dining experience.

Top 5 FAQs about Mozzarella Tricolore

• What is Mozzarella Tricolore? Mozzarella Tricolore is an iconic Italian appetizer that celebrates the colors of the Italian flag—green, white, and red—through its ingredients: fresh basil leaves, slices of creamy mozzarella cheese, and ripe tomatoes. It’s a variation of the Caprese salad, known for its simple yet flavorful combination of high-quality, fresh ingredients, typically dressed with extra virgin olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and occasionally balsamic vinegar reduction.
• How do you select the right ingredients for Mozzarella Tricolore? The dish’s success largely depends on the quality of its ingredients. Opt for fresh buffalo mozzarella for its creamy texture, choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for sweetness and acidity, and use aromatic fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and, if desired, add a balsamic vinegar reduction for depth of flavor.
• What are some tips for assembling Mozzarella Tricolore? To ensure a balanced and visually appealing presentation, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes uniformly, about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange them alternatively with basil leaves to mimic the Italian flag. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving and drizzle with olive oil (and balsamic glaze if using) to enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.
• Can Mozzarella Tricolore be served as a main course? While traditionally served as a starter or side dish due to its light and refreshing qualities, Mozzarella Tricolore can also make for a delightful light meal, especially during warm weather or for those seeking a minimalist yet satisfying dining experience. Serving it with crusty Italian bread or alongside a mixed greens salad can make it more substantial.
• What wine pairs well with Mozzarella Tricolore? A light, crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s fresh flavors perfectly. Alternatively, a sparkling Prosecco can elevate the dining experience, adding a celebratory touch to the meal with its effervescence and subtle fruit notes.