Caprese Salad with Grilled Shrimp: A Summertime Delight
Caprese salad, a classic Italian dish featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, gets a delightful upgrade with the addition of succulent grilled shrimp. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing summer meal, bursting with flavor and visual appeal.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (deveining is optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are hot and ashy.
3. Grill the Shrimp: Thread the shrimp onto skewers (optional) or directly place them on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and pink.
4. Assemble the Salad: Arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving platter, alternating slices for a visually appealing presentation. Scatter the fresh basil leaves throughout.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the salad with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. For a touch of sweetness and acidity, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Top the salad with the freshly grilled shrimp and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Shrimp Selection: Jumbo or large shrimp work best for this recipe.
- Tomato Perfection: Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. Heirloom varieties or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest mozzarella cheese possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Basil Magic: Large, fragrant basil leaves add a beautiful touch. If fresh basil isn't available, substitute with a sprinkle of dried basil.
- Flavor Variations: For a touch of garlic flavor, rub the toasted bread slices with a garlic clove before drizzling with olive oil.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this salad with crusty bread, toasted baguette slices, or a glass of your favorite white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Caprese Salad with Grilled Shrimp is a delicious and impressive dish that's perfect for a light lunch, a delightful appetizer, or a refreshing summer dinner. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and protein-packed shrimp, this recipe is sure to become a summertime favorite.
Arul Valizers
Hi there! 👋 I'm Arul Valizers, a passionate content specialist and blogger with a knack for crafting compelling stories.
