Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a fresh, vibrant Italian dish that celebrates the simplicity of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, this salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal on a warm day. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a simple meal at home, Caprese Salad is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caprese Salad is the epitome of fresh, simple, and delicious ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil are perfectly balanced with the richness of olive oil and the tanginess of balsamic vinegar. This easy-to-make salad is not only bursting with flavor but also beautiful to look at, making it the perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
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4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
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8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the ingredients: Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into even, round slices. Gently tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces, or leave them whole if you prefer larger basil accents.
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Assemble the salad: On a large platter or individual plates, alternate layers of sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves in a circular or overlapping pattern.
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Season the salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or glaze) over the top of the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired. Enjoy as a light starter, side dish, or even as a standalone meal with some crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add avocado: For an extra creamy texture, add sliced avocado to the salad.
- Use heirloom tomatoes: Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for a colorful, visually stunning version of Caprese Salad.
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Make it spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the salad a little heat.
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Add pesto: Drizzle some fresh pesto over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage
Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the tomatoes and mozzarella are at their juiciest. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The texture of the mozzarella may change slightly after storing.
FAQs
1. Can I make Caprese Salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time (slice the tomatoes, cheese, and basil) and store them separately in the fridge.
2. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is the star of this dish and gives it its signature flavor. While you can use dried basil in a pinch, it won’t have the same aromatic quality as fresh basil.
3. What kind of mozzarella should I use?
Fresh mozzarella is key for Caprese Salad. Look for mozzarella that comes packed in water or brine (like bocconcini or burrata) for the best texture and flavor.
4. Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of balsamic glaze?
Yes, balsamic vinegar works perfectly. Just drizzle it lightly over the salad, as it’s more liquid than balsamic glaze.
5. Can I add other vegetables to Caprese Salad?
While traditional Caprese Salad is just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, you can definitely experiment with other ingredients like cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch.
6. How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
If you’re storing leftovers, keep the tomato slices and mozzarella separate from the dressing and assemble the salad just before serving.
Conclusion
Caprese Salad is the perfect example of how a few simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. With its juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, it’s a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and vibrant colors. Enjoy it on warm summer days, as a starter to a festive meal, or anytime you want a taste of Italy!
Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant Italian dish made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. This simple yet flavorful salad is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even, round slices. Tear or leave the basil leaves whole, depending on your preference.
- On a large platter, arrange the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a circular or overlapping pattern.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or glaze) over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired. Enjoy as a light starter, side dish, or with crusty bread.
Notes
For a creamy texture, add sliced avocado to the salad.For a savory twist, ces.Use heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful, visually stunning dish.For extra flavor, drizzle pesto on top or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
