Caprese Salad
A classic Italian salad that celebrates simplicity and the peak flavors of summer. Juicy ripe tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella are layered with fragrant basil, then drizzled with high-quality olive oil and a sweet balsamic glaze. It's a vibrant, refreshing dish that's ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps.
- 1
Prepare the main ingredients
- a.Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves. Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Gently pat the mozzarella slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- 2
Arrange the salad on a large platter or individual plates
- a.Alternate the slices of tomato and mozzarella, overlapping them slightly. Tuck whole fresh basil leaves between the layers for a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor in every bite.
- 3
Just before serving, dress the salad
- a.Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the arranged tomatoes and mozzarella. Follow with a drizzle of the balsamic glaze.
- 4
Season to taste with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- a.Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the best quality ripe, in-season tomatoes you can find; their flavor is the star of the show.
- 2Gently pat the mozzarella slices with a paper towel before arranging to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- 3For a beautiful presentation, use a mix of red and yellow heirloom tomatoes.
- 4Arrange the salad just before serving to ensure the basil leaves stay fresh and vibrant.
- 5Let the salad sit for 5 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 6Bring mozzarella to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Pesto
Instead of plain olive oil, drizzle the salad with a high-quality basil pesto for an extra layer of flavor.
Add AvocadoAdd Avocado
Incorporate slices of ripe avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.
Sweet & SavorySweet & Savory
During the summer, add slices of fresh, ripe peaches or nectarines for a delightful sweet contrast.
Caprese SkewersCaprese Skewers
For an easy appetizer, thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and folded basil leaves onto small skewers. Drizzle with oil and glaze before serving.
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. Extra virgin olive oil also contains beneficial polyphenols.
Supports Heart Health
The monounsaturated fats in extra virgin olive oil are known to be heart-healthy, helping to lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
Good Source of Protein and Calcium
Fresh mozzarella cheese provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Caprese salad is quite healthy. It's rich in vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes, provides healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, and offers protein and calcium from mozzarella cheese. It's a balanced and nutritious dish.