Caprese Salad Recipe

Bring a touch of Italy to your Southern table with this fresh Caprese Salad Recipe, where juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh fragrant basil come together for a simple, no-fuss Italian favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a quick no-cook meal, this easy Caprese salad recipe is bursting with flavor and color.

What You’ll Love About Caprese Salad

This Caprese Salad Recipe is a timeless Italian classic, made with creamy fresh mozzarella, sun-ripened tomatoes, and aromatic basil. It’s typically finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, occasionally, a splash of balsamic glaze, as shown in this recipe. It’s simple and elegant, named after the island of Capri. Caprese has become a beloved staple of Italian cuisine and a go-to dish for warm-weather dining.

Fresh, Flavorful and Simple – Just a few ingredients come together to create a dish that’s light, bright, and bursting with flavor.
No Cooking Required – Perfect for hot days or busy nights when you want something satisfying without turning on the stove.
Versatile and Elegant – Serve it as a starter, a side, or even layer it on toasted bread for a Caprese bruschetta twist.
Healthy and Wholesome – Made with fresh, whole ingredients, this tomato salad is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and rich in nutrients.
A Taste of Italy at Home – Every bite brings the sunny Mediterranean vibes, no passport required.

Ingredients to Make Easy Caprese Salad Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about a dish that lets garden fresh ingredients speak for themselves, and Caprese salad does just that. It’s one of my favorite light and fresh flavor combinations, whether it’s featured in a salad, served as a topping for burgers, with crusty bread or a brick oven caprese pizza. This Italian classic captures the essence of summer goodness whether it’s served as a light appetizer, a vibrant side dish, or a quick no-cook meal, Caprese salad is proof that simple can be delicious. Ingredients you’ll need to make this 10 minute Caprese Salad: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Tomatoes – 4-6 medium vine-ripened, beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes sliced into 1/3-inch thick slices.
Cheese – Fresh mozzarella cheese slices gives the salad a rich and creamy flavor.
Basil – One large bunch of fresh basil leaves adds a fresh herbaceous flavor.
Oil – Extra virgin olive oil forms the simple dressing.
Glaze – Balsamic glaze adds a hint of sweetness.
Seasonings – Sea salt, cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes.

How to Make the BEST Caprese Salad Recipe

Prep the Tomatoes – Use a sharp knife to slice each tomato into 1/3-inch slices.
Prep the Cheese – You can buy fresh mozzarella cheese already sliced. If the ball of fresh mozzarella you’re using isn’t sliced, after slicing the tomatoes, slice the cheese the same thickness as the tomatoes.
Arrange on a Serving Platter – Layer the mozzarella and tomato slices in an alternating pattern on a platter.
Drizzle with Oil and Season – Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze (if using) and season with sea salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
Fresh Basil – Arrange basil leaves on top. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Equipment Needed to Make Recipe for Caprese Salad

Sharp knife and chopping board to prep the tomatoes.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Large serving platter for serving.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Use the Freshest Ingredients – This salad is all about freshness. Choose in-season tomatoes that are ripe but firm when gently squeezed.
Salt – You can use pink sea salt, flaky sea salt or table salt.
Tomatoes – You can use heirlooms, vine-ripened, campari tomatoes, or beefsteak tomatoes in this recipe. You could also use a variety of yellow and red tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. Just keep it simple.
Cheese – Use high-quality mozzarella, preferably fresh or buffalo. You can buy fresh mozzarella cheese already sliced. If the cheese you’re using isn’t sliced, use a knife to slice the cheese the same thickness as the tomatoes.
Fresh Herbs – Use fresh bright green basil leaves. You could also use fresh oregano.
Choose a Good Olive Oil – Olive oil serves as the dressing for the salad so I highly recommend using a good one. A peppery, fruity extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor, don’t skimp on quality here.
Salt Just Before Serving – Salt brings out the flavor of the tomatoes, but if added too early, it can make them watery. Season right before serving for the best texture.
Balsamic Glaze is Optional, but Delicious – A light drizzle of balsamic glaze (not the same as balsamic vinegar) adds a sweet tangy note, but use it sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the dish. There are many brands readily available in most grocery stores. I used Bertolli.
Southern Style – You can add fresh peach slices to the mix for a Southern twist.
Balsamic Reduction – See how to make your own Balsamic G laze Here.

Storage and Leftovers

Storage – Once assembled, you can store Caprese Salad in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Once the tomatoes are salted, they will continue to release liquid so it’s best to store the components separately and only assemble just before serving.

More Salad Recipes to Make

Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad is topped with my Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing.
Classic Wedge Salad with homemade bleu cheese dressing.
Southern Potato Salad is picnic ready.
Mexican Street Corn Salad can also be served with tortilla chips as a dip.
Italian Spaghetti Salad does double duty as a side dish or a light meal.
This Southern Cornbread Salad is packed with vibrant colors and textures.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad is certain to become a family favorite.
Frito Taco Salad is a retro salad that’s always a hit.
Kale Salad from What’s Gaby Cooking.

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