Caprese Salad Recipe
This Caprese Salad Recipe is the salad that stops people in their tracks. Red, white and green on a plate. The colors of the Italian flag. A dish so simple it seems almost too easy to be this impressive. Furthermore, the secret is not technique but quality. Every single ingredient in this Caprese Salad Recipe must be the best you can find.
Moreover, this Caprese Salad Recipe is one of the most saved and shared salad recipes on Pinterest every single summer. For more wonderful Italian inspired salad recipes, also explore our vibrant Nicoise Salad Recipe, our fresh Pasta Salad Recipe and our full Salad collection.
The Tomatoes in This Caprese Salad Recipe
The tomato is the foundation of this Caprese Salad Recipe. Furthermore, using perfectly ripe, in season tomatoes is the single most important factor in producing a genuinely extraordinary result. A great Caprese made with peak summer tomatoes is one of the finest salads in the world. On the other hand, a Caprese made with hard, pale, out of season tomatoes is deeply disappointing.
Best Tomato Varieties
- Large beefsteak tomatoes — The classic choice. Moreover, their substantial size allows for thick, impressive slices that match the mozzarella perfectly in proportion.
- Heirloom tomatoes — Use a mix of colors including red, yellow and purple. Furthermore, mixed heirloom tomatoes create a visually stunning Caprese that photographs beautifully.
- Vine ripened tomatoes — Full of flavor and reliably sweet. Additionally, they are available year round and produce a consistently satisfying result.
- Cherry or baby tomatoes — Halved and scattered for a more modern, casual presentation. Consequently, they work beautifully in a deconstructed or bowl style Caprese.
The Mozzarella in This Caprese Salad Recipe
The mozzarella is the creamy, mild counterpoint to the acidic tomatoes in this Caprese Salad Recipe. Furthermore, using the right type of mozzarella makes a dramatic difference to the finished dish.
Fresh Mozzarella vs Burrata
Fresh mozzarella in water is the traditional choice. Moreover, its clean milky flavor and soft springy texture are the definition of a classic Caprese. On the other hand, burrata creates a more indulgent and dramatic modern version. When cut open, burrata releases a rich, creamy center that pools over the tomatoes. Consequently, a burrata Caprese is one of the most visually spectacular and deeply indulgent versions of this recipe.
Buffalo Mozzarella
Buffalo mozzarella is the most prized variety. Furthermore, it has a richer, more complex and slightly tangier flavor than regular cow milk mozzarella. Additionally, its texture is softer and more delicate. Consequently, when you can find genuine Italian buffalo mozzarella, it elevates this simple salad to extraordinary heights.
The Balsamic Glaze in This Caprese Salad Recipe
A good balsamic glaze is the finishing touch that transforms this Caprese Salad Recipe from good to genuinely spectacular. Furthermore, a thick, sweet and syrupy balsamic glaze pools between the layers and adds a deeply complex sweet and sour note.
Making Your Own Balsamic Glaze
Pour 200ml of good quality balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Add a teaspoon of honey. Simmer over medium low heat for 10 to 12 minutes until reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. Moreover, homemade balsamic glaze is far more intense and complex than most shop bought versions. Consequently, it adds a restaurant quality finish to every plate.
How to Assemble This Caprese Salad Recipe
Assembly is where this Caprese Salad Recipe becomes an art form. Furthermore, the way the salad is arranged on the plate determines its visual impact entirely. The full assembly method is in the recipe card below.
Classic vs Modern Presentation
The classic presentation alternates thick rounds of tomato and mozzarella in a single overlapping row on a long plate. Moreover, this classic style is clean, elegant and timeless. Additionally, a modern presentation scatters torn pieces of mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes across a large plate with basil leaves and microgreens for a more relaxed, contemporary look that performs beautifully on social media.
What to Serve with Caprese Salad
This Caprese Salad Recipe works beautifully as a starter or a light main. Furthermore, these pairings create a full and satisfying Italian inspired meal:
Perfect Pairings
- Our golden Garlic Bread Bites alongside for dunking into the olive oil and balsamic on the plate
- Our fresh Pasta Salad Recipe as a second dish for a complete light Italian lunch
- Sliced prosciutto di Parma draped alongside the mozzarella for a more substantial starter platter
- Our creamy Tiramisu Recipe as the dessert to complete a beautiful Italian themed menu
- A chilled glass of Italian white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Soave alongside for an authentic Italian dining experience
Easy Variations for This Caprese Salad Recipe
Strawberry Caprese — Replace half the tomatoes with sliced fresh strawberries. Moreover, the sweet floral strawberry against the creamy mozzarella and balsamic glaze is an unexpectedly stunning and delicious modern variation.
Watermelon Caprese — Replace the tomatoes with thick triangles of chilled watermelon. Furthermore, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and mint leaves instead of basil. Consequently, this summer variation is one of the most refreshing and visually spectacular versions imaginable.
Avocado Caprese — Add thick slices of ripe avocado between the tomato and mozzarella layers. Moreover, the creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats that make this variation more substantial as a main course.
Grilled Peach Caprese — Replace the tomatoes with halved grilled peaches. Additionally, add a drizzle of honey and crushed pistachios on top. Consequently, this summer stone fruit version is sweet, smoky and deeply memorable.
Make This Caprese Salad Recipe Today
In conclusion, this Caprese Salad Recipe is the most beautiful, effortless and universally adored salad you can make in just 10 minutes. Therefore, whether it is a summer dinner party starter, a light weekday lunch or a stunning side dish, this recipe always impresses. Browse more of our fresh and vibrant Salad recipes and share your favorite variation in the comments below!
Caprese Salad Recipe
Ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil and a rich balsamic glaze finished with the finest extra virgin olive oil. Italian perfection in 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- The Salad
- 4 largeRipe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1cm thickUse the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find - they define the entire dish
- 400 gFresh mozzarella or burrata, sliced 1cm thickBuffalo mozzarella or burrata gives the richest most indulgent result
- Large handfulFresh basil leaves, whole or roughly torn
- The Dressing
- 4 tbspBest quality extra virgin olive oilUse a fruity, peppery Italian olive oil - its flavor comes through clearly in every bite
- 2 tbspBalsamic glaze (shop bought or homemade)To make: simmer 200ml balsamic vinegar with 1 tsp honey for 10 to 12 minutes until syrupy
- Flaky sea saltTo finish - Maldon or fleur de sel
- Cracked black pepperTo finish
Equipment
Method for This Caprese Salad Recipe
- 1 Bring to room temperature: Remove the tomatoes and mozzarella from the refrigerator at least 20 minutes before serving. Furthermore, cold tomatoes have significantly less flavor and aroma than room temperature ones. Cold mozzarella is also firmer and less creamy than it should be. Consequently, this simple step makes a dramatic difference to the finished taste of the salad.
- 2 Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella: Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into rounds approximately 1cm thick. Slice the mozzarella to a similar thickness. Furthermore, uniform slices of equal thickness allow the layers to alternate cleanly and create the most elegant and professional presentation. A serrated knife works best for cutting tomatoes without squashing them.
- 3 Arrange on the plate: On a large flat plate or serving board, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella in a single overlapping row. Tuck whole or lightly torn fresh basil leaves between each layer. Moreover, press each basil leaf gently between the tomato and mozzarella so it is partially visible from above rather than completely hidden between the layers.
- 4 Dress and finish: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the entire length of the arranged salad. Then drizzle the balsamic glaze in a thin zigzag or spiral pattern over the top. Finish with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt and a few grinds of cracked black pepper. Furthermore, the flaky salt is not optional - it draws out the moisture in the tomatoes and mozzarella and amplifies every flavor on the plate.
- 5 Serve immediately: Serve the Caprese Salad within 5 minutes of dressing. Moreover, the salt draws moisture from the tomatoes over time which creates a beautiful pool of tomato juice and olive oil on the plate. This natural dressing is absolutely delicious for dipping bread into. Consequently, serving immediately preserves the freshest texture while allowing just enough time for the flavors to begin melding beautifully.
Nutrition (Per Serving - with full dressing and balsamic glaze)
* Nutritional values are estimates per serving with full dressing. Using burrata instead of mozzarella increases calories by approximately 40 kcal and fat by approximately 4g per serving.
Notes
- The quality of every ingredient matters enormously in this recipe. This is a salad of five ingredients with nowhere to hide. Furthermore, a ripe, flavor packed tomato and genuine fresh mozzarella produce a completely different result to an underripe tomato and supermarket block mozzarella. Consequently, spend the extra on quality ingredients and this recipe rewards you magnificently.
- Always bring tomatoes and mozzarella to room temperature before serving. Cold ingredients dramatically suppress flavor and aroma. Furthermore, the milky creaminess of mozzarella only comes through fully at room temperature. This single step is the most impactful thing you can do for this salad.
- Add the dressing only just before serving. Dressed Caprese that sits for more than 10 minutes becomes watery and loses its visual impact. Furthermore, the tomatoes release their juice rapidly once seasoned with salt. Consequently, dress and serve immediately for the best result.
- This Caprese Salad Recipe serves 4 as a generous starter or 2 as a main course. To serve 6 as a starter, increase tomatoes to 6 and mozzarella to 600g. Furthermore, use a longer serving platter for an elegant presentation at a larger gathering.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Moreover, the flavor of leftovers actually deepens as the tomato juices meld with the olive oil overnight. Consequently, leftover Caprese makes an excellent topping for bruschetta or a filling for a sandwich the following day.
Tips for the Perfect Caprese Salad Recipe Every Time
- Season the tomato slices individually with a tiny pinch of salt before arranging. Furthermore, salting tomatoes before assembly draws out a small amount of their natural juice which concentrates the flavor of each slice. Consequently, every bite tastes more intensely of tomato than an unsalted version.
- Use flaky sea salt not fine table salt. Flaky salt dissolves slowly and releases bursts of salinity as you eat. Moreover, its larger crystals add a pleasing textural crunch that fine salt cannot provide. Consequently, it elevates the finished salad significantly in both flavor and texture.
- Arrange the basil so it is visible from above. Tucking basil completely between layers hides it visually and reduces its aromatic impact. Furthermore, partially visible basil adds the beautiful green color that makes the red, white and green Italian flag palette of a Caprese so visually striking.
- Use a large flat plate or board rather than a bowl. The overlapping row arrangement requires a long, flat surface to look its best. Moreover, a wooden serving board adds a beautiful rustic warmth that makes the salad look even more inviting and appetizing.
- Drizzle the olive oil last thing before bringing to the table. Olive oil poured too early can make the arrangement look greasy and causes the basil leaves to wilt more quickly. Furthermore, a final generous drizzle of the very best oil you have just before serving adds a beautiful sheen and the most vibrant fresh olive flavor to every bite.