Caprese Salad – The Endless Meal®
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Want to make an authentic Caprese salad? After my first visit to the island of Capri, I knew I had to master this classic tomato mozzarella basil salad. Sure, anyone can toss tomato slices and mozzarella rounds on a plate – but even with a recipe so beautifully simple, there are some little tricks you can do to take it over the top. Let me share my five best tips.
What is Caprese salad?
Caprese salad is an iconic Italian salad that originated on the island of Capri and is especially popular in the summer – when tomatoes are at their ripest! Caprese salad is ‘insalata caprese’ in Italian. The word Caprese literally translates to ‘from Capri.’
So, what is in a caprese salad? Traditionally, this beauty consists of just a few fresh ingredients: ripe tomato, mozzarella, basil, sea salt, and olive oil. That’s it! Just like margarita pizza, the Caprese salad recipe is believed to have been inspired by the Italian flag—basil for green, mozzarella for white, and red for tomato.
The ingredients you’ll need for Caprese salad
Staying true to Italian cuisine, a caprese salad is made from a just handful of simple yet quality ingredients – so that means the best caprese salad starts with the best ingredients. In a recipe like this, with such a simple ingredient list, quality is key.
Here are the five ingredients you need for an authentic tomato mozzarella basil salad:
- Tomatoes: A caprese salad shines brightest in the summertime when tomatoes are at their juiciest, sweetest, and ripest. Opt for whatever is in season. I love going to the local farmers market for a variety of fragrant and colorful heirloom tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes. If you’re craving your caprese salad out of season, opt for cherry or grape tomatoes. Having a mix of tomatoes can be fun, too!
- Basil: Look for fragrant, bright green, fresh basil leaves. They should be vibrant and aromatic.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is different to the shredded kind you put on pizza. Look for soft, spongy balls of mozzarella packed in water, like buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte (cow’s milk mozzarella). Use a sharp knife to avoid squishing your mozzarella.
- Olive oil: This is a recipe where you can really taste the olive oil, so you’ll want to opt for a good quality extra-virgin olive oil. If you have a few different types, reach for the one with the grassiest flavor.
- Sea salt: I love using flaky sea salt, like Maldon salt. This adds a delicious little crunch while enhancing the flavors.
While these five ingredients are authentic to a true Caprese salad, you will often find a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor, or other delicious variations. I’ve got more suggestions for you below!
How do you make Caprese salad
Making a mozzarella tomato basil salad is simple – this is how it’s done:
- Prepare: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds. Use a paper towel to pat the tomatoes and mozzarella slices dry, and add a sprinkle of salt over the tomato slices.
- Layering: Grab a serving platter and arrange the slices of tomatoes and mozzarella in an alternating pattern. Add the whole basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil over it. Sprinkle the remaining sea salt over it, and enjoy! Buon appetito!
How to serve Caprese salad
I love serving a mozzarella tomato basil salad when entertaining, as it has such pretty visual appeal – plus, it’s fun to put together!
This is how to serve Caprese salad: Layer the three base ingredients, mozzarella, tomato, and basil, one at a time. Begin by placing a mozzarella round down, then slightly overlap it with a tomato slice. Place it on top but slightly to the side so it’s leaning on the mozzarella. Next, add a fresh basil leaf, then repeat this process again: mozzarella, tomato, basil, mozzarella, tomato basil, until you’ve finished plating everything.
Finally, finish it off with a drizzle of your favorite olive oil and balsamic glaze, if using, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld together—Bellissimo!
Five tips to transform your Caprese salad
While layering beautiful, fresh ingredients sounds easy, there are a few pro tips you can keep in mind when whipping up your easy Caprese salad recipe. These small tips will take your tomato mozzarella basil salad from a nice addition to a standout dish.
Five tips for an unforgettable Caprese salad:
- Uniform slicing: When slicing your tomato and mozzarella into rounds, aim for a uniform width. Ideally , slice them around ¼ inch thick each. This will make them substantial enough for a satisfying bite!
- Salt the tomatoes: Leave the salt to penetrate the tomato rounds for at least ten minutes. This will bring out their natural juices and enhance the flavor.
- Quality matters: When an ingredient list is so simple, you really want to ensure the items you have are of good quality as each ingredient is showcased to shine.
- Serve at room temperature: For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Pat the mozzarella dry: After slicing the mozzarella, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps maintain the salad’s texture and prevents it from becoming too watery.
Does an authentic Caprese salad have balsamic
No, it does not – an authentic Caprese salad, or “Insalata Caprese” in Italian, is made with just five ingredients: tomato, mozzarella, basil, salt, and olive oil. Balsamic ain’t one of them! However, outside of Italy (especially in North America), it’s become common to enjoy your tomato mozzarella basil salad with a drizzle of balsamic. It’s widely accepted as part of the Caprese salad – and it’s delicious. If you love the tang of balsamic, feel free to drizzle some on!
How to pronounce Caprese salad
This mozzarella tomato basil salad, known as Caprese salad, is pronounced as kah-preh-zseh sah-luhd. The emphasis of ‘caprese’ is on the middle syllable – the ‘preh’.
Flavor variations
An authentic Caprese salad has only five ingredients, never more. But when variations taste this good, why not have fun playing with some tasty additions! Here are some suggestions for delicious variations to try:
- Cheese swap: Try burrata cheese instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Balsamic: Perhaps the most widely accepted variation on a traditional Caprese salad recipe is the addition of a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Use a balsamic dressing or balsamic reduction.
- Get fruity: Sliced peaches, strawberries, or plums all taste great in a Caprese salad, adding sweetness.
- Tang: A splash of sherry vinegar or some capers can add delicious tang.
- Skewers: Make Caprese skewers by threading tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto toothpicks or small skewers for a fun, bite-sized appetizer.
- Black pepper: A generous grind of fresh black pepper can enhance the flavors and add a subtle kick.
- Vegan caprese salad: Use avocado slices in place of the cheese to make a vegan caprese salad.
- Pesto: Whip up a mint pesto or easy basil pesto and spoon some over your tomato basil mozzarella salad.
- Crunch: Sprinkle some pine nuts over top for a satisfying crunch.
- Olives: Toss in some Kalamata or green olives for a briny addition.
- Garlic: Rub a cut clove of garlic on the serving plate before arranging your salad, or add thin slices of fresh garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
- Other dishes: If you just adore these flavors and want to enjoy them in other forms, make my Caprese pesto pasta or Caprese pizza!
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Is Caprese salad healthy?
This tomato basil mozzarella salad is a healthy choice! It’s full of wholesome ingredients and free from processed foods. Tomatoes are rich in Vitamins A and C, mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium, and basil has vitamins K and A. Don’t you love a dish that’s delicious and good for you?
How to store leftover Caprese salad?
This mozzarella tomato basil salad is best enjoyed fresh! If you do have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Enjoy within 1-2 days. The basil leaves can wilt quickly, so it’s best not to keep it waiting in the fridge for too long, or add fresh ones before serving your leftover Caprese salad. If your salad becomes too watery as the tomatoes sit, you can always drain the juice before eating.
Can I freeze Caprese salad?
No, it’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the ingredients will change in texture.
How do I make balsamic glaze for Caprese salad?
Balsamic glaze is widely available at most grocery stores, but it’s also easy to make at home. Simply bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a boil in a small pot on the stove and let it simmer until the mixture has reduced to about ¼ cups. The liquid will become much thicker and sweeter, making it perfect for drizzling! Store leftovers in a sealed jar or container for up to 2 weeks.
What should I serve this tomato mozzarella basil salad with?
You can serve your caprese salad as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal. If you’re making a summer spread, whip up these prosciutto-wrapped peaches and enjoy with an Aperol spritz in hand! This Caprese salad is a great opener for fresh summer spaghetti or other pasta, porchetta sandwiches, steak with Italian potatoes, or Italian chicken.
Watch me make this recipe
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Caprese Salad Recipe
Want to make an authentic Caprese salad? After my first visit to the island of Capri, I knew I had to master this classic tomato mozzarella basil salad. Sure, anyone can toss tomato slices and mozzarella rounds on a plate – but even with a recipe so beautifully simple, there are some little tricks you can do to take it over the top. Let me share my five best tips.
Instructions
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Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds and dry them gently with a paper towel.
3-4 medium tomatoes, 2 balls fresh mozzarella
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With the tomato slices laying on your cutting board, sprinkle them with half of the salt.
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
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Arrange the tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil on a serving plate. Sprinkle with the remaining flaky salt and drizzle with olive oil.
1 handful basil leaves, 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
Notes
Note 2: Fresh mozzarella is not the same as mozzarella you grate for pizza. Look for buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte.
Note 3: Flaky sea salt, like Maldon salt, is light in flavor and adds a little crunch. If you don’t have any on hand, use just a pinch of sea salt.
Note 4: If you keep a few bottles of olive oil in your pantry, reach for the one with the grassiest flavor.
Note 5: Here’s the truth: when I throw this together for a quick weeknight salad, I don’t dry the tomatoes and mozzarella. It still tastes very good, but it is a little more watery.
Variations to Try
An authentic Caprese salad has only 5 ingredients, never more. But I don’t think that should stop you from having fun and creating your own variation. Here are a few additions and substitutions that I think make a wonderful salad – sorry, purists, but that’s just my opinion! See the blog post for more ideas.
- Burrata instead of mozzarella
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Sliced peaches
- A splash of sherry vinegar
- Black pepper
- A few capers
Nutrition
Serving: 1 = 1/6th of the recipe, Calories: 278kcal (14%), Carbohydrates: 4g (1%), Protein: 17g (34%), Fat: 22g (34%), Saturated Fat: 11g (69%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 60mg (20%), Sodium: 863mg (38%), Potassium: 204mg (6%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 1039IU (21%), Vitamin C: 8mg (10%), Calcium: 387mg (39%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
