Denver Garden-Raised Tomato Caprese Salad
A vibrant summer salad featuring heirloom tomatoes from local gardens, finished with fresh basil and a balsamic glaze for bright, garden-fresh flavors. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs thinly sliced fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, diced into 1/2-inch cubes heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups diced heirloom tomatoes and 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, gently tossing to mix.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss until evenly coated, then let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Divide the salad among 2 plates, top with 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Denver Garden-Raised Tomato Caprese Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Denver Garden-Raised Tomato Caprese Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced fresh basil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Denver Garden-Raised Tomato Caprese Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Denver Garden-Raised Tomato Caprese Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Denver Garden-Raised Tomato Caprese Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
