The Caprese Salad is a timeless symbol of Italian cooking, celebrating the elegance of simplicity and the magic of fresh, premium ingredients. With its striking red, white, and green layers—reminiscent of the Italian flag—this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Featuring just a few top-quality components—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, rich olive oil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze—it makes an ideal starter, light meal, or sophisticated side dish.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the traditional way to make a perfect Caprese Salad, along with tips for selecting the best ingredients, variations, and answers to common questions.
Ingredients
To make an authentic Caprese Salad, you’ll need:
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3-4 large ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
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8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (buffalo mozzarella is ideal)
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1 bunch fresh basil leaves
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2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1-2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
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Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Execution
1. Slice the Ingredients
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For clean presentation: wash tomatoes, dry completely, then slice into even ¼-inch thick rounds.
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Slice the mozzarella into similar-sized rounds. Use bocconcini as-is, or slice them in half for bite-sized pieces.
2. Arrange the Salad
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Layer tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving platter, overlapping them in either a circular or straight-line design.
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Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices.
3. Season and Drizzle
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Enhance the dish with a dusting of sea salt and a crack of black pepper.
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Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.
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For a touch of sweetness, add a balsamic glaze (optional but recommended).
4. Serve Immediately
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For the best experience, serve Caprese Salad immediately—the tomatoes and mozzarella soften and release liquid over time.
Additional Tips
✔Quality is key – opt for the freshest ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil for an exceptional Caprese.
✔Room temperature mozzarella – Take it out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving for better texture.
✔Add a twist – Try cherry tomatoes, avocado, or a sprinkle of oregano for variation.
✔Make it ahead? – You can prep ingredients separately but assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q&A About This Recipe
Q: Can I make Caprese Salad in advance?
A: It’s best assembled right before serving, but you can prep ingredients separately and store them chilled.
Q: What’s the best mozzarella for Caprese?
A: Fresh mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella) is the most authentic, but regular fresh mozzarella works too.
Q: Can I add balsamic vinegar instead of glaze?
A: Yes, but reduce it slightly for a thicker consistency, or it may make the salad too watery.
Q: What can I serve with Caprese Salad?
A: It pairs well with grilled meats, crusty bread, or as part of an antipasto platter.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
More than just a salad, Caprese embodies the soul of Italian cooking: perfection through restraint and quality. With no cooking required, it’s perfect for hot summer days, quick dinners, or elegant entertaining. Its balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors makes it universally loved. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly!
Happy Cooking
Diana
