Almost nothing screams summer more than a Caprese salad with the ripest heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil, a drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Tie it all together with an artful splash of balsamic reduction!
Summer is synonymous with tomatoes around New England. That means I’m making this Caprese salad several times every summer! It’s just too good, served alone or stacked on homemade Crostini.
My biggest advice to anyone who wants to make a Caprese salad just like they do in Italy, is to splurge a little on the ingredients you’re using to make it. This salad is all about quality ingredients! Get the best fresh mozzarella you can find in the grocery store, buy those extra juicy, funky looking heirloom tomatoes, use fresh basil not dried, and get a cool bottle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Instead of using regular table salt, buy some flaky salt like Fleur de Sel that will tie your whole dish together. And don’t you worry; once you make this Caprese salad with your special ingredients, you’ll make it over and over again along with a Caprese Sandwich and Bruschetta Chicken. Those ingredients will absolutely not go to waste!
Ingredients
Caprese salad is all about quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the Caprese salad! You only need 5 ingredients, plus 1 ingredient that’s optional but delicious:
- Good-quality fresh mozzarella – pre-sliced fresh mozzarella makes this salad even easier to make, but you can slice your own if you’d like! You can use buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) as well, which has a stronger, richer flavor that’s slightly tangy with a softer, milkier texture.
- Ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom tomatoes – you can’t beat heirloom tomatoes, which are similar to the traditional Pomodoro di Sorrento tomatoes that are often used in Italy. Heirlooms are usually available during the summer months at farmstands, and you can usually get them year-round at Whole Foods. Can’t find them? Try using Campari or Roma tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil – olive oil adds flavor and moisture. Using Italian olive oil is *chef’s kiss* perfection.
- Fresh basil leaves – basil is the best garnish for Caprese salad. It’s ultra-fragrant with a vibrant peppery-floral flavor!
- Coarse salt – I highly recommend using flaky salt like Fleur de Sel to finish your salad. Coarse salt and tomatoes are the perfect match!
- Thick balsamic vinegar – while classic Caprese often doesn’t include a balsamic vinegar finish, many versions call for it. I think it adds so much depth and a complementary, tangy sweetness. Using really good quality balsamic vinegar that’s nice and thick (like a balsamic glaze) is key. Try to look for one that doesn’t include added sugar.
How to Make Caprese Salad
It takes just a few minutes and 4 easy steps to make this classic Italian tomato and mozzarella salad:
- If you are using heirloom tomatoes, slice out the core. Then slice tomatoes about ¼ inch thick.
- Layer tomatoes and mozzarella slices, alternating between each.
- Garnish with basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil, and balsamic if desired.
- Sprinkle with coarse salt. Enjoy!
Caprese Salad Recipe Variations
Want to change up the classic? Here are some substitutions and additions to Caprese salad to make it your own:
- Try different herbs like fresh oregano or mint.
- Use burrata instead of fresh mozzarella.
- Use ripe peaches, apricots, or strawberries instead of tomatoes. Or even use beets or thinly sliced zucchini instead of tomatoes!
- Use cherry tomatoes and Ciliegine mozzarella balls instead of large tomatoes and sliced mozzarella.
- Add avocado slices.
- Top with a pesto drizzle.
- Top with nuts like toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
- Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Caprese as an appetizer or side dish with a number of Italian favorites, like Italian Meatballs, Chicken Pesto Pasta, Cacio e Pepe, or Pork Milanese. You can even serve Caprese salad with a simple piece of Poached Salmon or grilled chicken.
More Summer Salads You’ll Love!
Perfect Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- ¾ pound good-quality fresh mozzarella, pre-sliced or sliced yourself
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle
- Handful fresh basil leaves, to garnish
- Coarse salt, to finish
- 2 tablespoons thick balsamic vinegar (glaze), optional to drizzle
Instructions
- If you are using heirloom tomatoes, slice out the tough core. Then slice tomatoes about ¼ inch thick, or as thick as your mozzarella slices.
- Layer tomatoes and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between each.
- Garnish with basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic if desired (2 tablespoons of each or more).
- Sprinkle with coarse salt. Serve!
Video
Notes
- Always store whole tomatoes at room temperature, not in the fridge!
- You can use regular fresh mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella.
- If you have time, let mozzarella sit out at room temperature for 20 minutes before plating. This enhances flavor!
- If heirloom tomatoes are not in season, you can often still find them at Whole Foods. If not, try using Campari or Roma tomatoes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I served this to some friends at a small dinner party. They were impressed with the beauty of the presentation not to mention how delicious it was!
Nothing better than a platter of Caprese, right? Thanks for your review!
Grace
Wow just so good.
Yay!
As summer comes to a close, there is nothing that encapsulates summer more than this dish. It is an exercise in simplicity: simple ingredients picked perfectly ripe and assembled in a manner that is profoundly beautiful and balanced while allowing each element to shine through.
Simply and spectacularly delicious!!!
What a beautiful description! Thank you for sharing, and I’m glad you enjoyed!
Grace