Perfect Caprese Salad

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There's nothing quite like a Caprese Salad in the height of tomato season. I find myself making a traditional Caprese Salad 3-4 times a week during the summer. It's also an integral part of a dinner party spread or just paired with my summery turkey meatballs with angel hair pasta. Not only because it's delish, but it's too easy to assemble and works well with just about anything!

Sliced tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with a balsamic glaze.


 

Why I Love This Recipe

Caprese Salad is just actual perfection. Perfectly ripe sliced juicy tomatoes, fresh slices of buffalo mozzarella and basil. That's it in it's simplest form and I could live off of these during the summer. You know I love caprese in many forms.... Sun Gold Caprese, Caprese Orzo, Peach Tomato Caprese... but this is the traditional method and it's one that we all need in our back pockets.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Ripe Tomatoes – tomatoes should smell like TOMATOES. So look for some that are colorful, not too soft and fragrant.
  • Fresh Mozzarella – get the kind that's stored in the water! It's fresh and the most tender and delicious.
  • Basil – you can use a drizzle of basil vinaigrette if you prefer!
  • Balsamic Glaze – optional but encouraged!
  • Olive Oil – use one that is super delish and great for drizzling.
  • Salt & Pepper – I love a flaky maldon here and some freshly cracked black pepper

*For full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below

How to Make Caprese Salad

  • Slice a few ripe tomatoes into ¼ inch slices.
  • Do the same size slice for a few balls of fresh mozzarella.
  • Start by layering slices of tomatoes on a serving platter. Tuck slices of cheese between each tomato so both are visible then tuck whole basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes. Arrange the slices so you can see every layer.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper, drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil and drizzle with 2 tablespoon balsamic glaze or add it to taste.
A plate full of sliced tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, and basil leaves with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Tips & Tricks

You can make this as simple as you want or jazz it up! Here are a few things I've done in the past:

  • Add slices of peaches
  • Use heirloom tomatoes that are different colors to make it even more colorful
  • Tuck basil into each slice AND add a drizzle of basil vinaigrette on top.

FAQ's

What does caprese mean English?

Slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese! That's it! It's a simple classic.

What to serve as a main with Caprese salad?

I love to serve a number of things with my Caprese like Ribs, Steak, Salmon, Pasta, Grilled Chicken... skies the limit.

More Caprese Salad Inspired Recipes

If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today

Caprese Salad

Author: Gaby Dalkin
5 from 1 vote
The most perfect Caprese Salad of all times with slices of tomato, fresh mozzarella, a quick drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze plus tons of fresh basil. It's summer on a platter!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • pounds ripe tomatoes (3-4 medium) sliced ¼" thick
  • 12-16 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced ¼" thick
  • 1 bunch fresh basil ⅓ cup basil leaves
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
  • Maldon salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions
 

  • Start by layering slices of tomatoes on a serving platter. Tuck slices of cheese between each tomato so both are visible then tuck whole basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes. Arrange the slices so you can see every layer.
  • Season generously with salt and pepper, drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil and drizzle with 2 tablespoon balsamic glaze or add it to taste.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 361mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1398IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 1mg
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2 Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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