Caprese Salad
A simple yet elegant Italian dish featuring layers of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil. This no-cook summer salad celebrates the colors of the Italian flag and the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean.
Easy Caprese Salad Recipe
There’s something magical about the perfect Caprese salad. This iconic Italian appetizer or side dish embodies the philosophy of Mediterranean cooking—letting a few high-quality ingredients shine through minimal preparation. The classic Caprese salad originated from the Isle of Capri in Italy and has become a beloved staple worldwide for good reason. Its simplicity highlights the perfect balance between sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all enhanced by quality olive oil and balsamic.
Summer is the ideal time to make this homemade Caprese salad, when tomatoes reach their peak ripeness and basil is abundant. This dish honors the traditional Italian approach of using what’s fresh and in season, allowing nature’s best offerings to speak for themselves.
THIS RECIPE:
- Uses just 5 main ingredients for maximum flavor impact
- Requires zero cooking—perfect for hot summer days
- Can be assembled in under 10 minutes
- Showcases a perfect balance of flavors and textures
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Yield | 1 beautiful Caprese salad platter |
Making Caprese salad at home couldn’t be easier, yet the results are consistently impressive. This dish proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or countless ingredients to create something extraordinary. Whether served as an elegant starter for guests or as a light lunch alongside crusty bread, this easy Caprese salad recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Caprese Salad
The secret to an exceptional Caprese salad lies entirely in the quality of your ingredients. Since this dish has so few components, each one must be the best you can find. When tomatoes are at their peak sweetness and mozzarella is fresh and pillowy, you’ll create a Caprese salad that truly honors its Italian heritage.
For the Caprese Salad:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (about 2 pounds), preferably heirloom varieties
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella (either one large ball or multiple smaller balls)
- 1 bunch fresh basil (about 20-30 leaves)
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduction)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Optional Balsamic Glaze (if making your own):
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Ingredient Quality Guide
| Ingredient | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 2 pounds | Choose ripe, fragrant tomatoes with a slight give when pressed. Heirloom varieties offer beautiful color variation and different flavor profiles. Roma tomatoes work in a pinch but are less juicy. |
| Mozzarella | 16 ounces | Fresh, water-packed mozzarella di bufala (buffalo milk) offers the best flavor and texture, but good-quality cow’s milk mozzarella is excellent too. Avoid pre-shredded or low-moisture varieties. |
| Basil | 1 bunch | Look for vibrant green leaves without brown spots. Fresh basil should have a strong, aromatic scent when rubbed between fingers. |
| Olive Oil | 3-4 tablespoons | Use only extra virgin olive oil with a fruity profile. Single-origin Italian oils like those from Tuscany or Sicily complement this dish beautifully. |
| Balsamic | 2 tablespoons | True balsamic glaze or aged balsamic from Modena will have a naturally thick consistency and complex sweetness. |
Pro tip: If you can only find regular balsamic vinegar, make your own glaze by reducing 1 cup of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey in a saucepan over medium heat until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
How to Make Caprese Salad
Creating the perfect Caprese salad is more about assembly than cooking, but the order and technique make all the difference in the final presentation and flavor balance. The key is to handle the ingredients gently and layer them thoughtfully to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and thoroughly dry the tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. For the best presentation, try to keep the slices even and intact.
Prepare the mozzarella: If using a large ball of mozzarella, slice it into ¼-inch rounds similar in size to your tomato slices. If using smaller mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), slice them in half. Pat the cheese gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which would otherwise dilute the flavors.
Prepare the basil: Gently wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves. For smaller leaves, keep them whole. For larger leaves, you can either leave them whole for a dramatic presentation or tear them into smaller pieces just before serving to prevent browning.
Arrange the salad: On a large serving platter, begin arranging the ingredients. You can either:
- Create an overlapping circular pattern, alternating tomato and mozzarella slices with basil leaves tucked between each layer
- Stack the components vertically in alternating layers (tomato, mozzarella, basil, and repeat)
- For a more casual presentation, arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella randomly and scatter the basil on top
Add the finishing touches: Just before serving, drizzle the olive oil generously over the arrangement, followed by a lighter drizzle of balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together while the salt draws out some of the tomato juices, creating a light natural dressing.
Tips for Making Caprese Salad
Making the perfect homemade Caprese salad is all about attention to detail, from ingredient selection to final assembly. Here are some expert tips to elevate your creation:
- Always serve at room temperature – Cold temperatures dull the flavors of both tomatoes and mozzarella. Remove ingredients from the refrigerator 30 minutes before assembling.
- Season each layer – For balanced flavor, lightly salt each layer of tomatoes rather than just sprinkling salt on top at the end.
- Tear basil just before serving – If you choose to tear the basil leaves rather than keeping them whole, do so at the last minute to prevent browning.
- Use your best olive oil – This is the time to break out that special bottle of olive oil you’ve been saving.
| Technique | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tomato Slicing | Use a serrated knife for the cleanest cuts without crushing the tomato |
| Mozzarella Handling | Pat dry with paper towels before slicing to prevent excess liquid on the plate |
| Seasoning | Add salt just before serving to prevent drawing out too much moisture |
| Basil Placement | Tuck some leaves between layers and save some for garnishing the top |
Pro tip: If serving Caprese salad as a main dish, consider adding a protein element like grilled chicken on the side, or serve with crusty Italian bread to make it more substantial.
Make-Ahead Instructions
While Caprese salad is best assembled shortly before serving, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline the process:
You can slice the mozzarella up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in its original liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moisture. Bring to room temperature before assembling.
Tomatoes can be sliced up to 2 hours before serving. Arrange them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and keep at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate sliced tomatoes as this diminishes their flavor.
If making your own balsamic reduction, this can be prepared up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
For a make-ahead Caprese-inspired option, consider preparing a Caprese pasta salad by combining cooled pasta with cubed mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and torn basil. Dress with olive oil and balsamic just before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Caprese salad is at its absolute best when freshly made, but if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to properly store them:
Store any leftover Caprese salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The tomatoes will continue to release liquid, and the basil may darken, but the flavors will still be enjoyable.
For food safety, do not leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially in warm weather, as the cheese is perishable.
Before serving leftovers, bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes and drain off any excess liquid that may have accumulated. A light refreshment with additional olive oil, a few fresh basil leaves, and a small pinch of salt can revitalize day-old Caprese.
Freezing Caprese Salad
Freezing a classic Caprese salad is not recommended due to the high water content of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. Upon thawing, the tomatoes become mushy and the texture of the mozzarella becomes grainy and unpleasant. The fresh basil will also turn black and lose its distinctive aroma.
If you have excess ingredients you wish to preserve:
- Fresh mozzarella can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture will change slightly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag with all air removed.
- Basil can be processed into pesto and frozen in ice cube trays, then transferred to freezer bags for storage up to 6 months.
- Tomatoes are best preserved by roasting or turning into sauce before freezing.
Serving Suggestions
A beautiful Caprese salad can be the star of the meal or complement other dishes perfectly. Here are some ideal ways to serve your homemade Caprese salad:
Accompaniments:
- Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or garlic crostini to soak up the flavorful juices
- Pair with grilled proteins like chicken, shrimp, or steak for a complete meal
- Add a side of marinated olives and artichoke hearts for an antipasto-style spread
- Include as part of a larger Italian-inspired buffet with prosciutto, melon, and roasted peppers
Presentation Ideas:
- For individual servings, create stacked towers of alternating tomato and mozzarella slices
- Serve on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic presentation
- For a modern twist, use a round cookie cutter to create perfectly uniform stacks
Beverage Pairings:
- Crisp Italian white wines like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Light rosé wine
- Aperol Spritz for a truly Italian experience
Serve your Caprese salad at room temperature for optimal flavor development. The ideal time to serve is within 15-20 minutes of assembly, allowing the salt to draw out some tomato juices but before the basil begins to wilt.
FAQ
Can I use different types of tomatoes for Caprese salad?
Absolutely! While large heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes are traditional, you can create delicious variations with cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or a colorful mix of heirloom varieties. The most important factor is ripeness and flavor—choose tomatoes that smell fragrant and have a slight give when gently squeezed.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
Fresh basil is integral to an authentic Caprese salad, but in a pinch, you could use fresh oregano or a small amount of arugula for a peppery twist. Dried herbs are not recommended as they lack the aromatic qualities that make this salad special. If basil is unavailable, consider making a different style of salad rather than compromising on this key ingredient.
Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?
If balsamic glaze is unavailable, you can easily make your own by simmering regular balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until reduced and syrupy. Alternatively, a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar (which is naturally thicker) can be used directly. For a different flavor profile, a drizzle of honey with a splash of red wine vinegar provides a sweet-tangy effect.
Why is my Caprese salad watery?
Excess moisture typically comes from the tomatoes or inadequately dried mozzarella. To prevent a watery salad, thoroughly pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels before slicing. For tomatoes, after slicing, you can lay them on paper towels for 5-10 minutes to absorb excess moisture. Also, salt the salad just before serving, as salt draws moisture from the tomatoes.
Can I make Caprese salad with burrata instead of mozzarella?
Yes! Burrata makes a luxurious variation of Caprese salad. Place whole burrata balls in the center of your arrangement of tomatoes and basil, then cut into them just before serving to allow the creamy center to mix with the olive oil and balsamic. This creates a richer, more indulgent version of the classic Caprese salad.
