When tomatoes are at their peak, I reach for this Classic Caprese Salad. It is simple, fresh, and lets every ingredient shine. A drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic ties it all together for the easiest side or starter.
Classic Caprese Salad
Equipment
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Serving platter
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 tomatoes ripe, sliced 1/4-inch
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced 1/4-inch
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves whole or gently torn
Seasoning & Finish
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste
- 0.5 tsp sea salt flaky, to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Optional Accents
- 0.25 tsp dried oregano optional
- 1 tsp lemon zest optional
- 2 cup baby arugula optional
Instructions
Caprese Salad
- Rinse tomatoes and basil, then pat dry. Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. If using small tomatoes, halve them. Keep basil leaves whole or gently tear.
- Cut fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch slices. If using small balls, leave whole or slice in half.
- On a platter, alternate tomato and mozzarella slices in overlapping layers. Tuck basil leaves between slices, saving a few for the top.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then add a light ribbon of balsamic or glaze.
- Top with reserved basil. Serve right away while the tomatoes are juicy and the basil is fragrant.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Classic Caprese Salad
- Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking.
- Balanced flavors: sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, bright basil.
- Perfect for weeknights, picnics, and summer gatherings.
- Scales up easily for a crowd.
- Beautiful on the table with minimal effort.
Classic Caprese Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom, beefsteak, or vine-ripened are great. Cherry or grape tomatoes work too for bite-size pieces.
- Fresh mozzarella: Choose whole milk, fresh mozzarella balls or a large oval you can slice. Bocconcini or ciliegine are perfect for mini salads.
- Fresh basil: Whole leaves are classic. Tear gently right before serving to release aroma.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Pick a fruity, peppery bottle you love for finishing.
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze: A light drizzle adds sweetness and depth. For a brighter twist, use a splash of apple cider vinegar with a pinch of sugar.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper make a big difference.
- Optional accents: A pinch of dried oregano, lemon zest, or a few arugula leaves for peppery bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Classic Caprese Salad
1. Prep the produce
Rinse tomatoes and basil, then pat dry. Slice tomatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. If using small tomatoes, halve them. Keep basil leaves whole or gently tear.
2. Slice the mozzarella
Cut fresh mozzarella into 1/4 inch slices. If using small balls, leave whole or slice in half.
3. Arrange the salad
On a platter, alternate tomato and mozzarella slices in overlapping layers. Tuck basil leaves between slices, saving a few for the top.
4. Season generously
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then add a light ribbon of balsamic or glaze.
5. Finish and serve
Top with reserved basil. Serve right away while the tomatoes are juicy and the basil is fragrant.
Tips for Success
- Choose tomatoes that feel heavy for their size with a deep, tomato aroma.
- Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes for the creamiest texture.
- Season tomatoes directly with salt before plating if they are very firm to coax out flavor.
- Use a gentle hand with balsamic so it does not overpower the tomatoes.
- Assemble just before serving to keep basil bright and leaves from wilting.
Variations of Classic Caprese Salad
- Caprese skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella, and basil onto small skewers for parties.
- Peach Caprese: Add ripe peach or nectarine slices for a sweet, sunny twist.
- Avocado Caprese: Tuck in avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Caprese with pesto: Spoon a little basil pesto over the top or whisk pesto with olive oil for a drizzle.
- Leafy Caprese: Serve over a bed of baby arugula for peppery greens.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Classic Caprese Salad
- Crusty bread or toasted baguette to soak up the juices.
- Simple grilled chicken or shrimp with lemon and garlic.
- Light pasta, such as olive oil spaghetti with garlic and herbs.
- Soup and salad combo: pair with tomato soup or a chilled cucumber soup.
- Sparkling water with lemon or a white grape spritzer for a refreshing sip.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This salad is best fresh. If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. For optimal texture, keep sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil separate, then assemble and season just before serving. Do not reheat. If chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the cheese and brighten flavors.
Memories Made Around the Table
My summer dinners often start with this platter set in the middle of the table. Everyone reaches for a slice, and there is always that quiet moment when the first bite lands and we all smile. Simple food has a way of bringing people together.
FAQs
What tomatoes are best for Caprese? Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes with deep color and aroma. Heirlooms are wonderful for flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Can I make Caprese ahead of time? You can slice tomatoes and mozzarella a few hours ahead and refrigerate them separately. Assemble, season, and add basil just before serving.
Is balsamic traditional for Caprese? Classic versions can be made with just olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper. A little balsamic or glaze is a popular modern touch for sweetness and depth.
What kind of mozzarella should I buy? Fresh, water-packed mozzarella is ideal. Look for soft, creamy texture and a clean, milky flavor.
How do I prevent watery Caprese? Use ripe but not overripe tomatoes, slice just before serving, and season right at the end. A shallow platter helps juices pool without drowning the salad.
Final Thoughts
With just a handful of good ingredients, Classic Caprese Salad delivers pure, bright flavor. Keep it simple, season well, and let the tomatoes and basil do the talking.