caprese
A Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish consisting of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil. The mental image is a bright, colorful plate that reflects the colors of the Italian flag: white (mozzarella), red (tomato), and green (basil). It is a staple of summer dining and is often served as an antipasto (appetizer). While the traditional preparation is simple, you will often find it drizzled with a balsamic glaze or served as a topping on bruschetta or pizza.
In conversation
Ordering at a cafe
I'll have the caprese sandwich, please.
I'll have the caprese sandwich, please.
Would you like that with a side salad or chips?
Would you like that with a side salad or chips?
Caprese is frequently used as an adjective to describe sandwiches or pizzas that use these specific ingredients.
Planning a dinner party
Should I make a pasta dish for the starter?
Should I make a pasta dish for the starter?
How about a caprese salad instead? It's much lighter.
How about a caprese salad instead? It's much lighter.
The word is often used to suggest a light, healthy alternative to heavier courses.
Examples
We ate a fresh caprese salad for lunch.
We ate a fresh caprese salad for lunch.
The restaurant offers a delicious caprese pizza with a balsamic drizzle.
The restaurant offers a delicious caprese pizza with a balsamic drizzle.
For a true caprese experience, ensure the mozzarella is buffalo-style and the basil is freshly plucked.
For a true caprese experience, ensure the mozzarella is buffalo-style and the basil is freshly plucked.
