What's on the Grill #278: Grilled Caprese Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

Without a doubt, my palate has changed over the years.  Like most kids, I used to be a picky eater.  However, as I grew older, the pickiness faded away.  Even though I was opening up to a wide range of new foods and flavors, there were still a few things I just did not care for.   Tomatoes I'm looking at you.

Whenever I mention my dislike for tomatoes, I'm typically given a quizzical eye.  "Oh, so the guy who shovels salsa in his mouth doesn't like tomatoes?"  Uh, well, yes.  Although for me, it's not so much the taste, but the texture.  It's not just how they taste, but the way they taste.  I know, I'm weird.

Anyway, it looks like even the evil tomato, with a little bit of salt and heat, may be working its way into my "acceptable" category.

Grilled Caprese Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette adopted from Boy Gets Grill

2 large ripe tomatoes cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 1/4 inch slices
Large bunch of fresh basil
salt

Vinaigrette

1/2 cup fresh basil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
salt and pepper
3/4 cup olive oil

Place the basil and vinegar in a blender and, well, blend.  With the blender running, slowly add in the olive oil.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside.

Preheat the grill for direct high heat.  Clean the grates.

Lightly salt both sides of each tomato slice and brush with a small amount of olive oil.  Grill the tomato slices on the grill for approximately 1-2 minutes a side, turning once.  The key here is to lightly mark the tomatoes.  It is important not to overcook them, or they will never leave the grate.

With the tomatoes grilled, prepare to start stacking.

Alternate layers of tomato, basil, and mozzarella.  The stacks can be as low or high as you like.

Once completed, top with the vinaigrette and serve.

Less is more, which is exactly what makes a caprese salad so inviting.  Lightly grilling the tomatoes creates a different texture to the stack and the vinaigrette makes it all come together.  Delicious…even if it happens to include tomatoes.