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Caprese salad celebrates summer produce in its purest form. With only a few classic ingredients arranged simply, this timeless Italian dish stands out at any table for its colors and bold flavors. I love how it delivers freshness and elegance with almost no effort and always reminds me of family picnics in the backyard.
When I first made Caprese salad with tomatoes still warm from my garden, it instantly became my go-to dish for summer gatherings. Every time I serve it someone asks for the recipe and is shocked at how simple it is.
Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes: Choose the reddest most fragrant tomatoes you can find for juicy sweetness and real flavor
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Look for balls packed in water or brine to keep them moist and creamy
- Fresh basil leaves: Tear the largest leaves just before serving for a fragrant peppery bite
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a fruity peppery oil since its aroma and taste truly shine here
- Salt and cracked black pepper: Sprinkle with quality flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper just before serving
- Balsamic glaze (optional): Adds tangy sweetness if you like a deeper flavor twist but classic versions skip this
Always buy ingredients from a trusted local market or use homegrown for unbeatable taste. The quality you choose is what makes this salad special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes:
- Wash each tomato carefully under cold water pat them dry and slice into even rounds about one quarter inch thick try to keep slices similar in size so the salad looks neat
- Slice the mozzarella:
- Cut the fresh mozzarella into slices that match the thickness of your tomatoes for even layering and balanced bites
- Assemble the salad:
- On a wide platter lay alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella so they overlap slightly tuck whole or torn basil leaves between the slices for a burst of green and aroma
- Season the salad:
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously but evenly over the entire platter use your fingertips or a spoon to spread it if needed now sprinkle with salt and cracked black pepper adjusting to your taste
- Add balsamic glaze (optional):
- If you are using it drizzle a thin zigzag of balsamic glaze over the top to add a sweet tangy depth that pairs well with the creamy cheese
- Serve immediately:
- This salad is best eaten fresh after assembly so serve right away as a starter side or main for lunch
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Caprese salad is one of the simplest recipes I know yet it never fails to impress. Fresh mozzarella is my favorite here especially when it is soft and milky. I remember my kids helping to layer the salad and sneak basil leaves straight from our garden.
Tips for Storing Caprese Salad
Caprese is best enjoyed right after assembly. Leftovers can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one day. The tomatoes and cheese release liquid as they sit so drain any excess before serving again and add extra fresh basil for flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If good mozzarella is hard to find use burrata for an extra creamy twist or feta for a briny note. For tomatoes try any heirloom variety or even colorful cherry tomatoes sliced in half. Swap basil for fresh arugula for peppery zip if basil is not available.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve Caprese as a first course or with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. For a party platter make mini skewers with cherry tomatoes mozzarella balls and basil. Add toasted bread on the side to soak up the juices and oil.
A Bit of Caprese History
Caprese salad comes from the island of Capri where locals first assembled these ingredients to capture the flavors of summer in one dish. Its colors proudly represent the Italian flag—a point of pride for many Italian families. It is now beloved worldwide for its simplicity and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of mozzarella is best?
Fresh mozzarella, especially mozzarella di bufala or high-quality cow's milk mozzarella, offers the creamiest texture and mild flavor for this dish.
- → Should I use a specific tomato variety?
Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes provide ideal flavor and juiciness. Opt for ripe, full-flavored varieties.
- → Can I prepare Caprese salad in advance?
It's best assembled just before serving to maintain freshness, though ingredients can be prepped ahead of time.
- → Is balsamic glaze traditional?
Balsamic glaze is a modern addition. The classic version relies on olive oil and perhaps a pinch of salt and pepper.
- → How should I serve Caprese salad?
Serve on a platter as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish. It pairs well with crusty bread or grilled proteins.
- → What kind of olive oil works best?
Choose a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, as its fruity, peppery notes enhance all the fresh flavors.