Simple never tasted so good. This Caprese Salad is the essence of Mediterranean simplicity — ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of golden olive oil come together in one vibrant, mouthwatering dish. 🇮🇹✨
Perfect as a light appetizer, elegant side dish, or a no-cook summer lunch, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. And with just a handful of ingredients, the key is choosing the best, freshest ones you can find.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Caprese Salad
- No Cooking Required – Ready in minutes, no stove or oven needed!
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegetarian – Perfect for a crowd with mixed dietary needs.
- Elegant Yet Effortless – Looks fancy, tastes gourmet, but so easy to prepare.
- Flexible Presentation – Serve it plated, stacked, or tossed — always stunning.
- Ideal Summer Dish – Light, refreshing, and made for warm weather gatherings ☀️
🛒 Ingredients (With a Fresh Twist)
- 1½ lbs ripe red tomatoes – Go for heirloom or vine-ripened varieties 🍅 for max flavor and juiciness. Slice them about ¼-inch thick for a balanced bite.
- 12 oz fresh mozzarella – A large ball or pre-sliced log of fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella. Look for one packed in water for best texture 🧀.
- 15 fresh basil leaves – Choose small, whole leaves or tear larger ones gently. Fresh is key here — no substitutes! 🌿
- 1 tbsp high-quality extra virgin olive oil – This is where your best bottle shines. Peppery and fruity notes are ideal.
- Sea salt & cracked black pepper to taste – Flaky sea salt like Maldon adds a nice crunch and mineral finish.
- Optional: balsamic glaze – Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. Drizzle lightly for a gourmet twist.
👩🍳 How to Make the Perfect Caprese Salad
Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes & Mozzarella
Cut both into even ¼-inch slices. Pat mozzarella dry with a paper towel if it’s very wet — this prevents watering down the salad.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
On a large platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella in an overlapping circle or row. Tuck basil leaves in between, either whole or gently torn.
Step 3: Drizzle & Season
Generously drizzle olive oil over the top. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. If using balsamic glaze, add a light zigzag finish.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
This salad is best served fresh. Let it sit for a few minutes if desired, but don’t refrigerate long — the tomatoes and basil lose their vibrancy when too cold.
💡 Tips for the Best Caprese Experience
✅ Use in-season tomatoes – Summer produce makes all the difference
✅ Mozzarella matters – Soft, milky varieties are ideal
✅ Don’t overdress – Keep oil and glaze light to let ingredients shine
✅ Add-ins welcome – Try thin-sliced avocado, peaches 🍑, or prosciutto for fun variations
✅ Serve with crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the juices! 🥖
🧊 Storage Notes
- Not Ideal for Storage – Caprese is best fresh, but leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for 1 day
- Avoid Refrigerating Before Serving – Tomatoes lose their flavor and texture when chilled
- Want to Prep Ahead? – Slice everything in advance, but assemble and dress just before serving
❓ FAQs About Caprese Salad
Q: Can I use cherry tomatoes instead?
A: Absolutely! Halved cherry or grape tomatoes work well, especially for mini Caprese skewers.
Q: What’s the difference between Caprese and Insalata Tricolore?
A: Tricolore typically includes arugula or other greens, while Caprese keeps it classic with just tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Q: Is balsamic glaze traditional?
A: Not in Italy, but it’s a popular modern addition. Use sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.
Q: How can I turn this into a full meal?
A: Serve over mixed greens, add sliced avocado or grilled chicken, or layer on toast for an open-faced sandwich.
✨ Final Thoughts
Caprese Salad isn’t just a dish — it’s an experience in restraint and balance. 🍃 In a world of complicated recipes, Caprese reminds us that when ingredients are fresh and thoughtfully chosen, you don’t need much else. It’s the kind of salad that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and feel like you’ve just been transported to an Italian countryside table.
The cool creaminess of the mozzarella, the juicy brightness of ripe tomatoes, and the punch of fragrant basil create a harmony that’s hard to beat. The olive oil and seasoning don’t mask the flavor — they elevate it. And the optional balsamic drizzle? It’s the cherry on top 🍒 (or should we say… the glaze on top 😉).
Whether you serve it at a summer barbecue, as a light lunch, or as part of an antipasto spread with crusty bread and olives, Caprese is always in season. And always in style. ❤️🇮🇹
Short version
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds red ripe tomatoes 3-4 medium
- 12 ounce ball fresh mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil leaves about 15 leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
- balsamic glaze optional
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into even ¼-inch thick slices for a balanced bite in every piece. On a large serving platter, layer the tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves, slightly overlapping them in a repeating pattern for a beautiful presentation.
- Drizzle the entire salad with a generous pour of olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. For an extra touch of sweetness and depth, you can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
