Vibrant Caprese Salad with Fresh West Kent Smart Garden Herbs

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Your West Kent Garden

This Caprese salad isn't just a dish; it's a celebration of freshness! By using cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil directly from your West Kent Smart Garden, you'll experience flavours that simply can't be matched by store-bought produce. It's a quick, beautiful, and incredibly satisfying way to show off your successful indoor harvest. Plus, it's perfect for a light lunch, a stunning starter, or a vibrant side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2-4

Ingredients:

• 400-500g Cherry Tomatoes: The smaller, sweeter variety, ideally harvested fresh from your West Kent Smart Garden for unparalleled flavour.

• Large handful Fresh Basil Leaves: Generously picked from your West Kent Smart Garden – the aroma alone will tell you the difference!

• 225g Fresh Mozzarella: Choose small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) or a larger ball to slice. Buffalo mozzarella is exceptional if available.

• 2-3 tbsp High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Crucial for flavour!

• 1-2 tbsp Balsamic Glaze: You can buy this ready-made or easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced and syrupy.

• Pinch of Sea Salt: To enhance the flavours.

• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.

• Optional: A few fresh oregano sprigs or a tiny sliver of a homegrown chilli for a subtle kick, also from your smart garden!

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: If using whole cherry tomatoes, you can serve them as is, or for a more integrated flavour, slice them in half. If using larger tomatoes, slice them into thick rounds.

2. Prepare the Mozzarella: If using small mozzarella balls, drain them well. If using a large ball, slice it into similar-sized pieces as your tomatoes.

3. Assemble: On a serving platter or individual plates, artfully arrange the cherry tomato halves (or slices), fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella. You can alternate them in rows or pile them casually for a rustic look.

4. Drizzle: Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the assembled salad.

5. Glaze: Now, carefully drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything. Don't overdo it – a little goes a long way for flavour and presentation.

6. Season: Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt and a grind of fresh black pepper.

7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the peak freshness! The flavours are best when freshly assembled.

West Kent Pro Tip:

To take your Caprese to the next level, experiment with adding other fresh greens or a hint of another smart garden herb, like a few tiny sprigs of fresh oregano. The beauty of growing your own is having these gourmet ingredients always at your fingertips!