A Caprese salad is an especially cool and refreshing appetizer, side dish, or snack for the hot summer months! This classic Italian recipe features thick slices of juicy, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar! It's an easy side salad that tastes amazing with more than just Italian cuisine!
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Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad
This easy but oh-so-tasty Caprese salad consists of juicy sliced tomatoes, large rounds of mozzarella, fresh basil, and a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette.
Everyone knows it commonly makes an appearance on the table at Italian restaurants. However, it's also a wonderful dish to enjoy at home any time (particularly during the hot summer days)!
🌎 Origin
The name "Caprese" refers to the island in Italy where the salad originated, specifically the beautiful island of Capri. It's a simple and delicious dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
The traditional recipe calls for fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. Many cooks have come up with their own twists over time, but these ingredients stay consistent.
🥘 Ingredients
The fresher the ingredients, the better your caprese salad will taste! Avoid tomatoes with wrinkly skin or that feel overly ripe, as the high water content will make them messy and water down your salad.
- Tomatoes - 4 large tomatoes of any variety. Beefsteak, heirloom, Roma (plum), or Campari tomatoes would all work fine. Plan for ½ a tomato per person and slice them to ¼ inch thickness.
- Fresh Mozzarella - 1 pound of mozzarella sliced into ¼-inch rounds.
- Fresh Basil Leaves - 1-2 ounces of fresh basil leaves.
- Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
- Balsamic Vinegar - 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
- Salt & Pepper - Season the salad with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make A Caprese Salad
I try to arrange the ingredients on a platter so that each ingredient (tomato slice, mozzarella, basil) is evenly spaced so you can get a taste of everything in every bite.
You will want a sharp knife for cutting tomatoes, a cutting board, a mixing bowl, silicone tongs, and a platter for serving.
As a starter or side dish, I plan on serving ½ a tomato per person. 4 large tomatoes is about 8 servings.
Slice & Prep Ingredients
Step 1: Slice. Cut 4 tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices, and slice 1 pound (453.59 grams) of fresh mozzarella into ¼-inch rounds.
Step 2: Combine ingredients. Add the tomato slices, mozzarella, and 1-2 ounces (28.35 grams) of fresh basil leaves into a large mixing bowl.
Toss, Arrange, & Serve
Step 3: Add oil and vinegar. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (29.57 milliliters) each of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Using your tongs, gently toss all the pieces so they are coated as evenly as possible.
Step 4: Season. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
Step 5: Arrange and serve. Arrange alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve right away.
🍽️ What To Serve With Salad
If you want a multi-course Italian dinner, you can't go wrong with serving your Caprese salad with homemade lasagna and garlic bread.
Or, frutti di mare is a great Italian entree for seafood lovers! Some fruity mocktails would also pair well on a hot summer's day! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- A good idea for portion planning is to use about ½ a tomato, ⅛ lb of mozzarella, ⅛ oz of fresh basil, ¼ tbsp olive oil, and ¼ tablespoon balsamic per person.
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella evenly. A consistent thickness enhances the presentation and taste!
- For a more fun and colorful dish, try using different-colored heirloom tomatoes!
- Instead of balsamic vinegar, you can opt for a balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction. All of the above are delicious!
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⭐ Testimonials
This classic Caprese salad is my go-to for a quick, delicious, and healthy lunch. I love adding freshly sliced avocado!"
Mary P. in New York
🥡 Storing
Caprese salad is best when served fresh. If made in advance or when storing the leftovers, keep it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours (after that, the flavor and freshness will decline.)
It's safe to eat for up to 3 days, but you will need to drain the excess liquid off beforehand.
❔ What Is The Best Mozzarella For This Recipe?
The freshness of the mozzarella is crucial for the creamy texture and taste. Use the best fresh mozzarella you can find and slice it into ¼-inch rounds.
🥗 More Mouthwatering Salad Recipes
- Asian Cucumber Salad - Crisp cucumbers, vibrant veggies, and a zesty dressing soy sauce vinaigrette!
- Greek Salad - A crisp and refreshing Mediterranean salad with olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese!
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad - Sweet pineapple, tender pasta, and a creamy tropical dressing!
- Tuna Salad With Pasta - Flaky tuna, al dente pasta, and crisp veggies combine for a protein-packed and satisfying meal!
- Broccolini Salad - Green goodness meets crunch in my easy broccolini Salad!
- Doritos Taco Salad - Spice up your salad routine with this nacho cheese Doritos Taco Salad!
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📖 Recipe Card
Caprese Salad With Balsamic And Olive Oil
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes (about 1 tomato per person and sliced to ¼ inch thickness)
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella (sliced into ¼ inch rounds)
- 1-2 oz fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper (to taste)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Cut your tomatoes into ¼ inch thick slices, and slice your fresh mozzarella into ¼-inch rounds.
- Add the tomato slices, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic over the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Using your tongs carefully toss all the pieces so they are coated as evenly as possible.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves onto a serving platter. Serve immediately.
Notes
- A good idea for planning is to use about ½ a tomato, ⅛ lb of mozzarella, ⅛ oz of fresh basil, ¼ tbsp olive oil, and ¼ tablespoon balsamic per person.
- For a more fun and colorful dish, try using different colored heirloom tomatoes!
- Caprese salad is best when served fresh. If made in advance, or when storing the leftovers, keep it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours (after that, the flavor and freshness will decline.) However, it is safe to eat for up to 3 days, but you will need to drain the water off beforehand.
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