Classic Caprese Salad
A timeless Italian-American salad featuring ripe, juicy tomatoes, soft fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it's a simple, elegant side dish that's ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Gently wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves. Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds.
TIPUsing a serrated knife can help you slice the ripe tomatoes cleanly without squishing them.Arrange the salad on a platter.
On a large plate or platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices, alternating them in an overlapping pattern to create a visually appealing design.
Add the fresh basil leaves.
Tuck the fresh, whole basil leaves in between the layers of tomato and mozzarella. Distribute them evenly throughout the salad.
TIPAvoid chopping the basil as it can bruise the leaves. Whole leaves provide the best aroma and flavor.Dress the salad.
Just before serving, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the entire salad.
Season and serve immediately.
Sprinkle the salad with a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
TIPSalting tomatoes too early can draw out moisture and make them watery. Always season right before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the ripest, most flavorful in-season tomatoes you can find. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes work beautifully.
- 2For the best flavor and texture, let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
- 3A high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil will make a significant difference in the final taste.
- 4For a sweeter touch, you can use a balsamic glaze instead of vinegar, but be mindful of added sugars.
- 5To make this a more substantial dish, serve it over a bed of arugula or mixed greens.
- 6Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day, but it's best enjoyed fresh.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 4-6 ounces of grilled, sliced chicken breast or some prosciutto to make it a more complete meal.
quickQuick
For a faster version, use cherry tomatoes (halved) and small mozzarella balls (bocconcini). Toss everything in a bowl instead of arranging.
veganVegan
Substitute the fresh mozzarella with a high-quality, plant-based mozzarella alternative.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Serve the components on skewers! Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and folded basil leaves onto small wooden skewers for a fun presentation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation.
Supports Bone Health
Fresh mozzarella is a good source of calcium, an essential mineral for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Provides Lean Protein
The mozzarella cheese contributes a good amount of protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Caprese Salad is very healthy. It's rich in vitamins from tomatoes, calcium and protein from mozzarella, and healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil. It's naturally low in carbohydrates.