Caprese Salad (Summer Salad with Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil)
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Want to make an authentic Caprese salad? This classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad may look simple, but a few small details make all the difference. Anyone can layer tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate — but with the right touches, you can turn it into something truly special. Let me share my five best tips.
A good caprese salad is all about simplicity and great ingredients. Juicy summer tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, grassy olive oil, and flaky sea salt come together to create one of the most perfect flavor combinations of all time. When the tomatoes are at their peak, you really don’t need much more.
This version stays true to the classic Italian preparation, which means no balsamic vinegar. While balsamic drizzle is very common on caprese salads in North America, you typically won’t find it served that way in Italy. The focus is more on letting the tomatoes, olive oil, and mozzarella shine on their own. That said, I do think a little balsamic can be delicious, and I’ll sometimes add a drizzle when I’m in the mood for that sweet-tangy flavor.
What I love most about caprese salad is how effortlessly impressive it feels. It’s quick to assemble, incredibly fresh tasting, and exactly the kind of thing I crave all summer long alongside grilled dinners and warm bread.
Important ingredient notes
Staying true to Italian cuisine, a caprese salad is made from a just handful of simple yet quality ingredients – so that means the best caprese salad starts with the best ingredients. In a recipe like this, with such a simple ingredient list, quality is key. Here’s what you should know about each of the ingredients:
- Tomatoes: A caprese salad shines brightest in the summertime when tomatoes are at their juiciest, sweetest, and ripest. Opt for whatever is in season. I love going to the local farmers market for a variety of fragrant and colorful heirloom tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes. If you’re craving your caprese salad out of season, opt for cherry or grape tomatoes. Having a mix of tomatoes can be fun, too!
- Basil: Look for fragrant, bright green, fresh basil leaves. They should be vibrant and aromatic.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is different to the shredded kind you put on pizza. Look for soft, spongy balls of mozzarella packed in water, like buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte (cow’s milk mozzarella). Use a sharp knife to avoid squishing your mozzarella.
- Olive oil: This is a recipe where you can really taste the olive oil, so you’ll want to opt for a good quality extra-virgin olive oil. If you have a few different types, reach for the one with the grassiest flavor.
- Sea salt: I love using flaky sea salt, like Maldon salt. This adds a delicious little crunch while enhancing the flavors.
While these five ingredients are authentic to a true Caprese salad, you will often find a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Tips for making the perfect caprese salad
While layering beautiful, fresh ingredients sounds easy, there are a few pro tips you can keep in mind when whipping up your easy Caprese salad recipe. These small tips will take your tomato mozzarella basil salad from a nice addition to a standout dish.
Five tips for an unforgettable Caprese salad:
- Uniform slicing: When slicing your tomato and mozzarella into rounds, aim for a uniform width. Ideally , slice them around ¼ inch thick each. This will make them substantial enough for a satisfying bite!
- Salt the tomatoes: Leave the salt to penetrate the tomato rounds for at least ten minutes. This will bring out their natural juices and enhance the flavor.
- Quality matters: When an ingredient list is so simple, you really want to ensure the items you have are of good quality as each ingredient is showcased to shine.
- Serve at room temperature: For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Pat the mozzarella dry: After slicing the mozzarella, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps maintain the salad’s texture and prevents it from becoming too watery.
Caprese Salad (Summer Salad with Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil)
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium tomatoes (see notes)
- 2 balls fresh mozzarella (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (see notes)
- 1 handful basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds and dry them gently with a paper towel.3-4 medium tomatoes, 2 balls fresh mozzarella
- With the tomato slices laying on your cutting board, sprinkle them with half of the salt.1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Arrange the tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil on a serving plate. Sprinkle with the remaining flaky salt and drizzle with olive oil.1 handful basil leaves, 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
Notes
- Burrata instead of mozzarella
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Sliced peaches
- A splash of sherry vinegar
- Black pepper
- A few capers
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
