Classic Caprese Salad: Easy Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Recipe for Summer
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly fresh and simple Tomato Mozzarella Salad, often known as Caprese. Featuring juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, this classic Italian side dish is the epitome of warm-weather dining. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion from casual backyard BBQs to elegant al fresco dinners.
There’s nothing quite like the peak of summer when gardens and farmers’ markets overflow with an abundance of fresh, ripe produce. Among these treasures, fresh, sun-kissed tomatoes stand out, promising unparalleled flavor and sweetness. This is the time to celebrate simplicity and let high-quality ingredients shine, and no dish does that better than a traditional Caprese Salad.
If you’re a fan of this delightful combination and looking for a more substantial meal, consider trying our Caprese Pasta Salad. It builds upon these beloved flavors by adding pasta, transforming it into a hearty main course. But for pure, unadulterated freshness, this simple Caprese Salad remains unmatched.
What Exactly is a Caprese Salad?
A Caprese Salad, or Insalata Caprese, is a renowned Italian salad originating from the beautiful island of Capri. It’s celebrated for its elegant simplicity and vibrant colors, which famously mirror the red, white, and green of the Italian flag. Traditionally, this iconic salad is composed of thick slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese (usually buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte), and fresh basil leaves, artfully arranged and then lightly drizzled with high-quality olive oil and seasoned with a sprinkle of salt.
While the classic presentation often features large slices of tomatoes and mozzarella with whole basil leaves, we’re taking a slightly more casual and user-friendly approach here. For easier serving and eating, especially at gatherings or potlucks, I prefer using smaller cherry or grape tomatoes alongside bite-sized mozzarella cheese balls, also known as mozzarella pearls or bocconcini. This makes it effortless for everyone to scoop a perfect portion onto their plate, ensuring each bite contains a delightful mix of all the core ingredients.
Why This Easy Caprese Salad is a Summer Must-Have
This Caprese salad recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience, embodying the essence of summer dining. Here’s why it will become your go-to recipe:
- Unbeatable Freshness: It relies on the natural, peak-season flavors of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, delivering a taste that’s truly unmatched.
- Effortlessly Simple: With minimal ingredients and no cooking required, you can whip up this elegant salad in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute potlucks.
- Visually Stunning: The striking red, white, and green colors make it an incredibly appealing dish that brightens any table.
- Versatile Pairing: It complements almost any meal, from grilled meats to pasta dishes, acting as a refreshing counterpoint to richer flavors.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Its fresh and light nature means it’s almost universally loved, making it an excellent choice for entertaining.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Freshest Caprese
The beauty of Caprese lies in its simplicity, making ingredient quality paramount. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy cherry or grape tomatoes. Their concentrated sweetness and firm texture are ideal for this salad. If using larger heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes, slice them into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is key! Small mozzarella pearls (ciliegine or bocconcini) are perfect for convenience. If you have a larger ball of fresh mozzarella, simply tear or slice it into pieces roughly the same size as your tomato halves.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skimp on the basil. Its peppery, sweet, and aromatic notes are crucial. Choose vibrant green leaves without any wilting or black spots. Thinly sliced (chiffonade) basil distributes its flavor beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity, peppery notes will enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
- Salt & Pepper: A simple seasoning of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper will bring out all the natural flavors.
- Balsamic Glaze: While traditional Caprese often uses just olive oil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweet-tart sophistication and a beautiful visual element. You can buy it pre-made or easily make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar.
How To Make The Perfect Tomato Mozzarella Salad (Step-by-Step)
Creating this delicious Caprese Salad is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps for a refreshing side dish that comes together in minutes. For the precise measurements and a printable recipe card, be sure to scroll down below!
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by washing your cherry or grape tomatoes thoroughly. Slice each tomato in half and place them into a large mixing bowl. If using larger tomatoes, chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Add Mozzarella and Basil: Next, drain your mozzarella pearls and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. Take your fresh basil leaves, stack a few on top of each other, roll them tightly, and then thinly slice them (this is called a chiffonade) before adding them to the bowl. Gently toss all these ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Dress and Season: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Gently mix again, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle your desired amount of balsamic glaze over the salad. The rich, sweet-tart glaze adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Serve Immediately: For the freshest taste and texture, serve your Caprese salad right away!
Elevate Your Caprese: Flavor Variations & Additions
While classic Caprese is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to customize your tomato mozzarella salad and add even more delicious flavors:
- Add a Pesto Boost: For an extra layer of herbaceous garlic flavor, stir in about 1-2 tablespoons of fresh pesto along with the olive oil. The basil in the pesto will beautifully complement the fresh basil leaves.
- Make it a Full Meal: Transform this side dish into a satisfying main course by adding a source of protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp are fantastic choices, providing a lean and flavorful addition. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or cannellini beans work wonderfully.
- Incorporate More Veggies: Caprese can be a great base for other fresh vegetables. Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, while thinly sliced zucchini or marinated artichoke hearts introduce a delightful tang and earthiness. Roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes could also add a burst of concentrated flavor.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a touch of heat.
- Citrus Zest: A little lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a fresh, zesty aroma.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Companions for Caprese
This fresh summer salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Its light and vibrant profile makes it an ideal complement to rich meats or grilled favorites, and it’s always a hit at any summer gathering, potluck, or BBQ. Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Smoked Chicken Breast: The smoky flavor perfectly contrasts the fresh salad.
- Grilled Chicken Legs: A classic pairing for a complete summer meal.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Serve the Caprese on the side for a light, refreshing touch.
- Grilled Turkey Tenderloin: An excellent lean protein option that benefits from the salad’s brightness.
- Pork Kebobs: The savory pork is balanced wonderfully by the fresh tomatoes and basil.
- Air Fryer Steak Bites: A quick and easy protein that pairs seamlessly with this simple salad.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a good loaf of crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing!
Storing Your Caprese Salad for Optimal Freshness
Caprese Salad is truly at its best when enjoyed fresh, shortly after it’s made. The delicate nature of fresh tomatoes means they can become watery and lose their firm texture once sliced and dressed. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s recommended to prepare and serve this salad within a few hours. If you need to make it slightly ahead of time, you can assemble the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 hours. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain the salad’s vibrant appeal and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caprese Salad
What kind of mozzarella should I use for Caprese?
Always use fresh mozzarella, not the firm, low-moisture kind. Look for mozzarella sold in water, such as mozzarella pearls (ciliegine, bocconcini), or a large ball of fresh mozzarella. The fresh variety is soft, milky, and has the perfect texture for this salad.
Can I make Caprese Salad ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance. Slice your tomatoes, tear or halve your mozzarella, and chiffonade your basil. Store them separately or lightly combined (without dressing) in the fridge. Dress the salad with olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming soggy.
What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze?
Balsamic vinegar is a thin, tart vinegar. Balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction) is balsamic vinegar that has been simmered and reduced until it becomes thick and syrupy with a sweeter, more concentrated flavor. The glaze adds a beautiful richness and sweetness that complements the fresh ingredients of a Caprese salad perfectly.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
No, fresh basil is absolutely essential for a Caprese salad. Dried basil has a completely different flavor profile and will not provide the vibrant, aromatic notes that make this salad so special. Always opt for fresh basil leaves.
Is Caprese Salad healthy?
Yes, Caprese salad is generally a very healthy dish! It’s packed with fresh vegetables (tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene), calcium from mozzarella, and healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil. It’s also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
More Tasty Summer Side Dish Recipes to Enjoy
Looking for more delicious and easy side dishes to round out your summer meals? Check out these fantastic recipes:
- Baked Beans: A classic BBQ staple with a sweet and savory punch.
- BLT Pasta Salad: All the flavors of a BLT sandwich in a refreshing pasta salad.
- Lemon Herb Potato Salad: A bright and zesty twist on traditional potato salad.
- Grilled Zucchini: Simple, healthy, and a great way to use summer squash.
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob: Perfectly cooked corn in minutes.
- Taco Pasta Salad: A fun, flavorful, and hearty salad for taco lovers.
- Berry Fruit Salad: A sweet and refreshing mix of seasonal berries.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad (Caprese)
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Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 oz Mozzarella pearls
- 3/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper
- Balsamic Glaze
Instructions
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Prepare Tomatoes: Wash and slice your cherry or grape tomatoes in half. Place them into a large mixing bowl.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the drained Mozzarella cheese pearls and thinly sliced fresh basil to the bowl with the tomatoes. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly combined.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly coated.
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Serve: Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 183kcal |
Carbohydrates: 3g |
Protein: 9g |
Fat: 15g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g |
Cholesterol: 30mg |
Sodium: 289mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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