Description
Fresh Caprese Salad with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and optional balsamic glaze. A quick Italian summer side salad ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs ripe tomatoes, 3 to 4 medium, sliced 1/4 inch thick
12 to 16 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 bunch fresh basil, about 1/3 cup basil leaves
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
1 to 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze, optional
Instructions
1. Arrange tomato slices on a serving platter, layering mozzarella slices between them so both are visible.
2. Tuck whole basil leaves throughout the layers.
3. Slightly overlap the ingredients for a pretty presentation.
4. Right before serving, season with salt and pepper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze to taste.
6. Serve immediately after dressing.
Notes
For the best flavor, let tomatoes and mozzarella sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Use ripe but firm tomatoes to avoid excess moisture.
Fresh whole milk mozzarella is traditional, but bocconcini or burrata also works.
Fresh basil gives the most authentic flavor.
Dress the salad only before serving since salt draws moisture from tomatoes.
High quality extra virgin olive oil improves the flavor.
Balsamic glaze is optional for a more traditional version.
Best served fresh within 30 to 60 minutes after dressing.
To make ahead, slice and arrange tomatoes and mozzarella up to 4 hours early and refrigerate covered. Store basil separately and add dressing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 257
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 555 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg