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    Home » Real Food » Caprese Salad

    Caprese Salad

    By Kristen Chidsey | 7 Comments | Published June 2, 2021 | Updated June 2, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Caprese Salad is the most perfect simple salad recipe. Tomato Mozzarella salad only takes minutes to prep and is LOVED by everyone!

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

    Caprese Salad in White Dish next to fresh tomatoes

    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

    Tomatoes, mozzarella and basil on cutting board.

    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.
    Mozzarella and Tomato Salad in white bowl.
    • If using, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
    • Serve immediately or within one hour of preparation.
    Caprese Salad in white bowl with balsamic glaze.

    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 it to cool to room temperature before drizzling over tomatoes and mozzarella.

    More Fresh Tomato Recipes

    • Caprese Pasta Salad
    • Tomato Bruschetta
    • Tomato Pizza
    • Homemade Salsa

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

    Mozzarella and Tomato Salad in white bowl

    Caprese Salad

    Insalta Caprese, or Tomato and Mozzarella Salad is a simple summer salad made with vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzaella and basil.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 250kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 4 large vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes sliced into ¼ inch slices
    • 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese sliced into ¼ inch slices
    • 15-20 basil leaves sliced into ribbons
    • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • kosher/sea salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction optional
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Generously sprinkle sliced tomatoes with salt.
    • Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter in an alternating and overlapping pattern.
    • Either tuck whole leaves of basil in between layers of tomatoes or sprinkle salad with the ribbons of basil.
    • Drizzle the salad evenly with extra virgin olive oil.
    • Sprinkle with small pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
    • Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using.
    • Serve immediately or within one hour of preparation.

    Notes

    • Beefsteak, vine-ripened, or heirloom tomatoes are all great for this Tomato and Mozzarella Salad. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 446mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1840IU | Vitamin C: 23.4mg | Calcium: 305mg | Iron: 0.8mg
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nellie Tracy

      June 03, 2021 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe for caprese salad! Will be making this a lot this summer!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 04, 2021 at 7:51 am

        Wonderful! So happy to hear you enjoyed Nellie!

        Reply
    2. Ashley

      June 03, 2021 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite salads. It's so easy and delicious!

      Reply
    3. Nellie

      July 31, 2019 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      The absolute best salad for summer! Love it!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 03, 2019 at 6:31 am

        I totally agree with you Nellie!

        Reply
    4. Chrysa

      July 31, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      This is one of my favorites. I love your simple instructions to make it a reality on my dinner table!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 03, 2019 at 6:32 am

        YAY! So glad my instructions were clear Chyrsa!

        Reply

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