Mediterranean meals
caprese salad with fresh mozzarella tomatoes and basil
By:
Published:
06 Jun 2025
Caprese Salad—it’s more than just a salad; it's a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Picture this: juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, all drizzled with luscious extra virgin olive oil and a whisper of balsamic glaze. It's a dish that embodies the essence of summer, bringing a burst of sunshine to your table. One of my favorite memories is making this salad with my grandmother. She taught me how to pick the best tomatoes and always said the simpler the dish, the better the ingredients need to be! I will never forget that. Every time I make it, I am brought back to that moment.
What I adore about Caprese Salad is its versatility. It's perfect as a light lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a colorful side dish. You can serve it at a casual backyard barbecue or a fancy dinner party—it always feels right. And the best part? It takes just minutes to assemble. If you're anything like me, you probably have busy days, and sometimes, the simple things are all you need. I remember one evening after a particularly hectic workday, I threw together a Caprese Salad with some crusty bread. It was exactly what I needed—refreshing, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Think about it: the sweetness of the tomatoes, the delicate milky flavor of the mozzarella, the peppery kick of the basil, all tied together by the richness of the olive oil. It's a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. And let’s not forget the visual appeal—the vibrant red, white, and green mirroring the Italian flag, making it a feast for the eyes as well. So, are you ready to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen? Let's dive into this easy and delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Required Equipments
- Serving Platter
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella Tomatoes and Basil: Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella Tomatoes and Basil
Caprese Salad: a symphony of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil. This Italian classic is easy, refreshing, and bursting with summer flavors, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Wash the Tomatoes: Thoroughly rinse 1 pound of ripe tomatoes under cold running water. This removes any dirt or residue, ensuring a clean, fresh taste.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the tomatoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even flavor distribution in each bite. Lay the tomato slices on a clean, dry surface.
- Prepare the Mozzarella: Remove 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella from its packaging. If it’s packed in water, gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- Slice the Mozzarella: Slice the mozzarella into rounds that are roughly the same thickness as the tomato slices, about 1/4 inch. Having uniform slices of both ingredients enhances the salad's texture and visual appeal.
- Arrange on Platter: On a serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, slightly overlapping them. This creates an attractive, layered presentation. Start from the outer edge and work your way towards the center.
- Add Fresh Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves, about 1 cup, between the tomato and mozzarella slices. Use whole leaves for the best visual impact and aroma. Distribute the basil evenly across the platter.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Generously drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Ensure the oil coats all the ingredients, adding richness and flavor. A high-quality olive oil enhances the overall taste significantly.
- Season to Taste: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) and freshly cracked black pepper (about 1/8 teaspoon) over the salad. Adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. These simple seasonings elevate the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Add Balsamic Glaze (Optional): If desired, lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad. This adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, complementing the other flavors. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Caprese salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures at their best. If you need to prepare it in advance, assemble just before serving to prevent the tomatoes and mozzarella from becoming soggy.
📝 Notes
- For the best flavor, use high-quality, extra virgin olive oil.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- If you don't have balsamic glaze, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar can also work.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 150mg
