Stone Fruit Caprese Salad

If you're searching for a delightful way to celebrate the summer season, look no further than this Stone Fruit Caprese Salad. This refreshing dish combines the classic flavors of Caprese salad with the sweet and juicy notes of heirloom tomatoes, nectarines, and peaches. Whether you're planning a picnic or a backyard barbecue, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

At the heart of the Stone Fruit Caprese Salad are the vibrant heirloom tomatoes. These tomatoes boast a rich and complex flavor profile that regular tomatoes simply can't match. Their unique varieties and colors add a visual and taste dimension that elevates the traditional Caprese salad.

Nectarines and peaches introduce a burst of natural sweetness. When ripe, these stone fruits are like nature's candy, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the salad. The nectarines and peaches not only provide sweetness but also a delightful textural contrast. Their flavors complement the creamy cheese and the hearty tomatoes.

Elevate your salad with Rose Wine Vinegar

Rose wine vinegar combines the elegance of rose wine with the tartness of vinegar, resulting in a unique taste that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Rose wine vinegar has floral undertones and hints of red fruit, such as strawberries and raspberries, which contribute to its delicate and fruity profile.

Overall, rose wine vinegar strikes a delicate balance between acidity and sweetness, with a floral, fruity, and slightly wine-like essence. This complexity makes it a wonderful addition to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces, where it can impart a nuanced flavor that brightens and enhances the overall taste of your dishes. It is not commonly sold in grocery stores, but it is worth seeking out. You can find my favorite one here.

Tips for choosing heirloom tomatoes

Color: Heirloom tomatoes come in a wide range of colors, from deep reds to vibrant oranges, yellows, purples, and even green stripes. Look for tomatoes that have a rich, consistent color throughout. Avoid those with pale or greenish spots, as they may not be fully ripe.

Texture: They should have a slight give, indicating ripeness, but not be overly soft or mushy.

Check for Blemishes: Minor imperfections are common in heirlooms and can be trimmed away, excessive damage may indicate overripeness or poor handling.

Consider Size and Shape: There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to heirloom tomatoes. Smaller varieties can be sweeter, while larger ones may have a more robust flavor.

Ask the Farmer: Don't hesitate to ask the farmer or vendor for advice. They are usually knowledgeable about their produce and can guide you to the best heirloom tomatoes available that day.

Mozzarella vs. Burrata: which is better for Caprese Salads

One of the key decisions when making this Stone Fruit Caprese Salad is choosing between Mozzarella and Burrata cheese. Both have their merits, but they bring slightly different characteristics to the dish.

Mozzarella: This classic Italian cheese is known for its mild, milky flavor and smooth, slightly rubbery texture. When used in the salad, it provides a clean and neutral backdrop for the vibrant flavors of the tomatoes and stone fruits to shine.

Burrata: Burrata, on the other hand, is the indulgent choice. With its creamy interior and richer flavor, it adds a luxurious element to the salad. The creaminess of Burrata marries beautifully with the juicy stone fruits, creating a velvety contrast to the tomatoes.

Ultimately, the choice between Mozzarella and Burrata comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a traditional Caprese experience with a twist, go for Mozzarella. If you want to take your salad to the next level of indulgence, Burrata is the way to go.

When I make this dish as an appetizer or side salad, I typically use mozzarella to keep it lighter. But when making this salad for a stand alone meal, I almost always opt for burrata.

Variations and Additions

While the classic Stone Fruit Caprese Salad is a treat in itself, you can get creative with variations and additions. Some popular options include:

Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, mint, or arugula adds an aromatic and herbaceous note that complements the fruit and cheese beautifully.

Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.

Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the salad for a sweet and tangy glaze that ties all the flavors together.

Prosciutto: For those who enjoy a savory touch, thinly sliced prosciutto can be draped over the salad, adding a delightful salty contrast.

What to serve with stone fruit caprese salad

Double down on the season's best tomatoes and make this Caramelized Onion and Sun Gold Tomato Pasta

Serve this as an appetizer to another summer classic: Flank Steak with Chimichurri