The Zesty Classic Caprese Salad Recipe You’ll Love in Minutes

When summer’s vibrant classic caprese salad arrives, taste buds dance with anticipation of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Italian culinary traditions shine through this elegant combination of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Garden-ripe tomatoes provide a luscious foundation for this beloved dish that celebrates clean, bright profiles.

Each carefully selected component reinvents an ordinary plate into a sensational experience of color and texture.

Creamy white cheese contrasts beautifully against ruby-red fruit, creating visual harmony that beckons hungry diners.

Regional ingredients elevate this recipe from basic to extraordinary, showcasing the beauty of uncomplicated cooking techniques.

Home cooks can craft this beloved starter with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Caprese Done the Classic Way

• Celebrate Fresh, Simple Ingredients: This Caprese salad showcases the pure, vibrant flavors of summer's ripest tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, creating a harmonious blend that sings with natural goodness.
• Master Effortless Elegance: With just five ingredients and minimal preparation, you'll craft a stunning dish that looks like it came from a gourmet restaurant, impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Embrace Sensational Texture Contrast: Each bite delivers a delightful play of soft, silky mozzarella, juicy tomato slices, and crisp basil leaves, complemented by the smooth richness of olive oil and the tangy balsamic glaze.
• Savor Quick Seasonal Perfection: Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish, this recipe takes less than 10 minutes to assemble and captures the essence of Mediterranean-inspired eating.

What Goes into This Italian Favorite

• Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes with deep red color and firm texture provide the base of the salad.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, creamy cheese that offers a delicate and milky contrast to the tomatoes.
• Basil Leaves: Bright green herb with a sweet and peppery flavor that adds aromatic freshness to the dish.

• Sea Salt: Coarse salt that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and adds a subtle crunch.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper that provides a mild heat and depth to the salad.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that adds richness and smooth texture to the classic Italian salad.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy reduction that provides a glossy finish and complex flavor profile.

How to Layer Tomatoes, Basil, and Mozzarella

Step 1: Slice Tomatoes

Wash tomatoes and slice them evenly into round, thin pieces.

Step 2: Prepare Mozzarella

Slice fresh mozzarella into similar-sized rounds as the tomato slices.

Step 3: Create Layered Arrangement

Place tomato slices on a clean serving platter in a slightly overlapping pattern.

Step 4: Add Cheese Layer

Carefully position mozzarella slices between each tomato slice, creating an alternating pattern.

Step 5: Garnish with Basil

Gently tuck whole fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella layers.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the entire salad.

Step 7: Finish with Drizzles

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the classic Caprese salad at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Tips for a Fresh and Flavorful Salad

• Choose Peak-Ripeness Tomatoes: Select vibrant, deep red tomatoes that feel heavy and yield slightly when gently pressed for the most flavorful base.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, thin tomato and mozzarella slices for an elegant presentation and balanced bite.
• Opt for Fresh Mozzarella: Use high-quality, freshly made mozzarella in water to ensure a creamy, delicate texture that complements the tomatoes.
• Layer with Care: Alternate tomato and cheese slices in a slightly overlapping pattern to create visual appeal and distribute flavors evenly.
• Serve Immediately: Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of basil leaves and prevent tomatoes from becoming watery.

Storing the Salad Without Wilting

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Caprese salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad separate from dressings to prevent soggy ingredients.
• Drain: Before serving, gently pat tomatoes and mozzarella with paper towels to remove excess moisture that accumulates during storage.
• Refresh: Restore the salad's vibrant flavor by adding fresh basil leaves and a quick drizzle of olive oil just before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Drinks and Sides That Match Perfectly

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Italian pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc that complements the fresh tomato and mozzarella flavors, cutting through the richness of the cheese.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve a rustic ciabatta or focaccia alongside the salad to soak up the olive oil and balsamic glaze, adding a delightful textural contrast.
• Enhance with Prosciutto: Add thin slices of salty, aged prosciutto di Parma to elevate the salad's taste profile, creating a more complex and satisfying appetizer experience.
• Finish with Sparkling Water: Choose a chilled sparkling mineral water with a hint of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds during this light summer dish.

Caprese Variations to Keep Things Fresh

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap traditional mozzarella with creamy burrata cheese for an extra luxurious texture and rich flavor profile.
• Grilled Summer Edition: Lightly char tomatoes and mozzarella on a grill before assembling to add smoky depth and caramelized notes.
• Herbal Infusion: Replace plain basil with mixed fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and mint to create a more complex aromatic experience.
• Citrus Punch: Add thin lemon or orange zest over the salad and incorporate a splash of citrus-infused olive oil for a bright, tangy undertone.

Classic Caprese Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Caprese salad celebrates Italian culinary simplicity with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, this Mediterranean classic invites you to savor summer’s purest flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy:

• 12–16 ounces (340–454 grams) fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼ inch thick

Fresh Produce:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ripe tomatoes, (3–4 medium) sliced ¼ inch thick
• 1 bunch fresh basil, (⅓ cup basil leaves)

Seasonings and Dressings:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, or added to taste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully select vine-ripened tomatoes and slice them into uniform, thin rounds (approximately 1/4 inch or 0.6 centimeters thick) on a clean cutting board.
2. Spread the tomato slices in an artful, slightly overlapping pattern across a pristine white serving platter.
3. Cut fresh mozzarella into equally thin slices, matching the tomato thickness, and delicately place each slice between the tomato rounds.
4. Gently nestle whole, vibrant basil leaves in the spaces between the mozzarella and tomato, allowing their emerald edges to peek through.
5. Sprinkle high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly across the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a balanced seasoning.
6. Finish the dish by drizzling cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in a gentle, circular motion, followed by a light zigzag of aged balsamic glaze for a glossy, tangy finish.

Notes

• Select perfectly ripe, vibrant tomatoes with deep color and firm texture for the best flavor and presentation.
• Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella that’s soft and creamy, preferably made from buffalo milk for authentic Italian taste.
• Layer ingredients carefully to create a visually appealing and balanced arrangement that highlights each component’s natural beauty.
• Use premium extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic glaze to elevate the salad’s richness and add complex, sweet-tangy notes.
• Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the optimal temperature and prevent basil leaves from wilting or turning dark.
• Experiment with different tomato varieties like heirloom or cherry tomatoes for unique color and taste variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg