Timeless Italian Elegance: Classic Caprese Salad Recipe

Golden summer sunlight dances across fresh ingredients in this authentic caprese salad recipe that captures the essence of Italian simplicity.

Fresh mozzarella gleams like pearls against ripe tomatoes, creating a vibrant canvas of flavor.

Basil leaves add a verdant touch, their aromatic whispers promising pure culinary delight.

Sweet tomatoes and creamy cheese blend seamlessly in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Each bite transports you to a sun-drenched Italian terrace, where ingredients speak louder than words.

The classic caprese salad sings with pure, unadulterated flavors that celebrate fresh, seasonal produce.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that turns basic ingredients into a masterpiece of taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for a Classic Caprese Salad

• Tomatoes: Select vine-ripened, deep red beauties that feel heavy and smell sweet, signaling peak summer flavor and juiciness.
• Basil Leaves: Choose bright green, glossy leaves without any wilting or dark spots, ensuring maximum aromatic freshness.

• Mozzarella: Pick soft, fresh buffalo mozzarella with a delicate texture that melts on the tongue, preferably made the same day.

• Sea Salt: Use flaky, coarse sea salt that adds a subtle crunch and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides a warm, sharp note that complements the salad's smoothness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Select a high-quality, fruity olive oil that adds richness and smooth complexity to the dish.
• Balsamic Glaze: Choose a thick, sweet-tangy reduction that brings a sophisticated depth and glossy finish to the salad.

Equipment for Building the Perfect Classic Caprese Salad

• Large Serving Platter: Flat, wide plate to beautifully display your salad ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly slicing tomatoes and mozzarella into uniform pieces.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing ingredients safely.
• Small Drizzling Spoon: Perfect for evenly distributing olive oil and balsamic glaze.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps season with precise amounts of salt and pepper.

How to Assemble a Classic Caprese Salad with Ease

• Tomato Canvas

Select vibrant, juicy tomatoes at peak ripeness. Slice them carefully to create an elegant base for your culinary masterpiece.

• Mozzarella Harmony

Nestle creamy mozzarella slices in a rhythmic pattern alongside the tomatoes, creating a beautiful color contrast.

• Herbal Whispers

Gently scatter fresh basil leaves throughout the dish, allowing their aromatic essence to weave between the cheese and tomatoes.

• Flavor Symphony

Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to awaken the natural flavors of each ingredient.

• Finishing Touch

Drizzle a generous stream of extra virgin olive oil and a delicate swirl of balsamic glaze, transforming the simple salad into a Mediterranean delight.

Classic Caprese Salad – Flavor Tips and Twists

• Select peak-season, vine-ripened tomatoes with deep color and slight softness for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Swap traditional mozzarella with burrata or buffalo mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious texture and richer taste profile.
• Toast pine nuts or add crispy prosciutto bits for extra crunch and savory complexity to the classic salad.
• Replace balsamic glaze with aged balsamic vinegar, lemon-infused olive oil, or herb-infused extra virgin olive oil to create unique flavor dimensions.
• Slightly warm tomatoes at room temperature before assembling to release natural sugars and intensify overall taste experience.

Serving the Classic Caprese Salad at Its Best

• Elevate Your Plate: Serve this vibrant Caprese salad as an elegant appetizer on a rustic wooden board to highlight its fresh, colorful ingredients.
• Perfect Pairing: Complement the salad with crusty Italian bread or ciabatta to soak up the delicious olive oil and balsamic glaze.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle some fresh cracked black pepper and torn basil leaves just before serving to enhance the salad's aromatic profile and visual appeal.
• Summer Entertaining: Prepare this dish for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or as a light starter for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that showcases simple, high-quality ingredients.

How to Store a Fresh Classic Caprese Salad

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store Caprese salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping it cool and crisp in the refrigerator's main compartment.
• Prevent Moisture Buildup: Place a paper towel underneath the salad to absorb excess liquid and maintain the ingredients' fresh texture.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Remove the salad from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to reach room temperature, enhancing their natural flavors.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Slice tomatoes and mozzarella just before serving to prevent soggy edges and maintain the salad's vibrant, crisp appearance.

Vibrant Caprese Salad

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Palermo’s classic caprese salad combines fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. Mediterranean ingredients create a simple yet elegant dish that connects Italian culinary traditions with summer’s natural flavors you will savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) ripe tomatoes, (3–4 medium) sliced ¼ inch thick
• 12–16 oz (340–454 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼ inch thick
• 1 bunch fresh basil, (⅓ cup basil leaves)
• 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tbsps balsamic glaze, or added to taste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slice Preparation: Craft uniform, paper-thin rounds of vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, ensuring precise 1/4-inch thickness on a pristine cutting board.
2. Artistic Arrangement: Create an elegant layering design on a white serving platter, alternating and slightly overlapping tomato and mozzarella slices with strategic precision.
3. Herbal Garnish: Intersperse whole, vibrant basil leaves between cheese and tomato layers, allowing their emerald edges to create visual texture and aromatic intrigue.
4. Seasoning Technique: Elevate the dish with a delicate sprinkle of premium sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing seasonings to enhance each ingredient’s natural flavor profile.
5. Finishing Touch: Conclude by executing a graceful, circular drizzle of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, complemented by an artistic zigzag of aged balsamic glaze, transforming the salad into a gastronomic masterpiece.

Notes

• Choose Peak-Ripeness Tomatoes: Select deep red, fragrant vine-ripened tomatoes at the height of summer for maximum flavor and sweetness.
• Master Precise Slicing: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, thin slices (1/4 inch) for an elegant presentation and balanced bite.
• Prioritize Fresh Ingredients: Use highest quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and just-picked basil leaves to elevate the classic dish.
• Temperature Matters: Serve immediately at room temperature to enhance the natural flavors and ensure optimal texture of each ingredient.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg