Caprese Salad

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad is easy to make, only requires a couple of ingredients, and impresses with its classic flavors!

This simple salad made with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is often called a Caprese Salad or more simply, a Tomato Mozzarella Salad. Regardless of what you call it, it is the perfect summer salad and pairs beautifully with a seared steak or Spaghetti and Meatballs.

What is a Caprese Salad?

A Caprese Salad is a simple salad made with fresh mozzarella cheese, vine-ripened, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.

The authentic name of this simple dish is Insalata Caprese, which translates to Salad of Capri. Capri is a region in Italy known for juicy tomatoes, basil, and some of the best olive oil. So you can see why they are the masterminds behind this tomato salad.

The preparation of this salad is incredibly simple. But when high-quality ingredients are prepared correctly, there is nothing better!

Notes on Ingredients

Because there are only a handful of ingredients in Caprese Salads, it is crucial to select your ingredients with a discerning eye and use the best products available to you.

• Tomatoes: Fresh, in-season vine-ripened tomatoes are best. Garden vine-ripened tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes are excellent choices. You just MUST ensure your tomatoes are ripe and fresh--and even better if they are freshly picked. Winter, when fresh tomatoes are harder to find, is not the ideal time to make this tomato salad.
• Basil: Choose fresh, vibrant green basil.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is a must! Do not use a block of mozzarella cheese. You want to purchase a fresh ball of mozzarella, which is often found in the deli section of your grocery store.
• Olive Oil: Select a good quality, mild extra virgin olive oil.
• Salt/Pepper: Kosher salt or sea salt and freshly cracked pepper are best.
• Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): Balsamic vinegar is not traditional in Caprese Salads, but I love the acidity it brings to this dish. Feel free to omit for a more classic or simple tomato and mozzarella salad.

How To Make Tomato Mozzarella Salad

• Wash and dry tomatoes.
• Slice tomatoes into ¼ inch thick slices. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt.
• Slice mozzarella into ¼ inch thick slices.
• Wash and dry basil. You can either leave the basil leaves whole or slice them into thin ribbons so that the basil does not overpower the tomatoes and mozzarella.
• Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter overlapping and alternating the tomato and mozzarella.
• Either tuck whole leaves of basil in between the layers of mozzarella and tomatoes or sprinkle the ribbons over the salad.
• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
• Sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and pepper if using.

• If using, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
• Serve immediately or within one hour of preparation.

Balsamic Reduction

I like to finish this Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with a drizzle of balsamic reduction as well, but that is optional. You can easily purchase a balsamic reduction or glaze or you can make it at home.

• Place ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
• Allow the vinegar to reduce, stirring occasionally, until the balsamic is reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon. This takes about 10 minutes.
• Allow to cool to room temperature before drizzling over tomatoes and mozzarella.

More Fresh Tomato Recipes

• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Tomato Bruschetta
• Tomato Pizza
• Mozzarella and Tomato Quinoa Bake

If you enjoyed this simple salad, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.