Easy Caprese Salad Recipe

Name: Easy Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 medium ripe tomatoes (sliced ¼-inch thick); 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese log (sliced ¼-inch thick); ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (separated from stems); 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil; 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction); Salt and pepper (for finishing (optional))

JUMP TO RECIPE

This easy Caprese salad is a refreshing Italian dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. This simple appetizer celebrates summer’s best flavors with juicy tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Plate of Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic drizzle.

The beauty of this classic Caprese salad lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you can create a stunning dish that’s perfect for everything from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties.

The colors of the Italian flag – red, white, and green – make this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. Looking for more fresh and easy salad ideas? Try my Apple Pomegranate Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing or my Heirloom Tomato Salad with Balsamic & Feta for more seasonal favorites!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Super simple preparation: This Caprese salad recipe requires no cooking and comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Fresh, vibrant flavors: The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a bright and satisfying flavor profile.
Versatile dish: Perfect as an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish alongside grilled chicken or pasta.
Naturally healthy: This salad is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Caprese salad with tomato, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze on a white plate.

What is Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad (pronounced “kah-PRAY-zay”) is a simple Italian dish that originated from the Island of Capri, hence its name. This classic appetizer represents the colors of the Italian flag with red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves.

Traditional Caprese salad uses just a few high-quality ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, and sometimes balsamic glaze. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, letting the fresh flavors shine through without complicated preparation. It’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that’s become a staple of Italian cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide as an appetizer or light meal.

Easy Caprese Salad Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ripe tomatoes – Look for firm but juicy tomatoes with vibrant color. Medium-sized tomatoes work best for slicing and arranging. Roma tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or heirloom varieties all work wonderfully in this recipe.
Fresh mozzarella cheese – This soft, milky cheese is essential for authentic Caprese. Use the fresh mozzarella sold in water as a large ball or pre-sliced log, not the firmer variety used for pizza. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes.
Fresh basil leaves – Bright green, aromatic basil adds a distinctive flavor that defines Caprese salad. Choose fresh basil with vibrant color and a strong scent for the best flavor impact.
Extra virgin olive oil – Use the best quality olive oil you can find for drizzling. Since this is a raw application, you’ll taste the olive oil clearly, so quality matters.
Balsamic glaze or reduction – This adds a sweet, tangy element that balances the flavors. The thicker consistency clings to the ingredients rather than pooling on the plate like regular balsamic vinegar would.
Salt and pepper – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances all the flavors. Use these to taste just before serving.

Plates of sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and seasonings on a white surface.

Substitutions and Additions

Tomato options – If large tomatoes aren’t available, substitute with cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes cut in half. Heirloom tomatoes offer beautiful color variation and unique flavors.
Cheese alternatives – Try burrata cheese for an even creamier center that oozes when cut. Use a mild goat cheese or buffalo mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Herb swaps – If you’re out of basil, try fresh mint or oregano for a different but complementary flavor profile.
Flavor boosters – Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or some minced garlic for extra flavor. A drizzle of pesto can add complexity to the traditional recipe.
Make it a meal – Add grilled chicken, prosciutto, or even sliced avocado to turn this simple salad into a more substantial dish.

How to Make Caprese Salad (step-by-step directions)

Side-by-side plates of tomato, mozzarella, and basil arranged in a circular pattern.

STEP 1. Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into even rounds, about ¼-inch thick. Try to make the slices of similar size for the most attractive presentation.

STEP 2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating them in an overlapping pattern. You can create a circle, straight line, or fan them out—whatever arrangement you prefer. (Photo 1)

STEP 3. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices. You can leave smaller leaves whole or tear larger ones into pieces. (Photo 2)

Two plates of Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic drizzle.

STEP 4. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the arranged salad, followed by the balsamic glaze or reduction in a decorative pattern. (Photo 3)

STEP 5. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste just before serving. (Photo 4)

STEP 6. For the best flavor, allow the salad to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Recipe Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for the best flavor. Take the mozzarella out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before assembling.
Season just before serving to prevent the salt from drawing out moisture from the tomatoes and making the salad watery.
Slice tomatoes and mozzarella to a similar thickness for a balanced bite and attractive presentation.
Choose the ripest tomatoes you can find, preferably in-season, locally grown tomatoes for the most flavor.
Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels after slicing to prevent excess moisture on the plate.
Don’t skimp on the quality of olive oil and balsamic glaze – these finishing touches make a big difference in the final taste.

Storing Tips

Storage: Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh, on the same day it’s made. The flavors and textures are at their peak when freshly assembled.
Refrigerator: If you must store leftovers, keep the components separate if possible. Already-assembled salad can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, though the basil may darken and the texture may change.
Make ahead tips: You can slice the cheese and tomatoes up to a few hours ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Avoid freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the high water content of the tomatoes and fresh nature of the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this easy Caprese salad alongside crusty bread or Homemade Garlic Croutons for a complete appetizer experience. It pairs beautifully with Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs or Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

For an Italian dinner, serve alongside Instant Pot Italian Chicken Penne Pasta or Baked Ziti Pasta With White Alfredo Sauce. On cooler days, pair with a comforting bowl of Double Noodle Soup or Southwestern Chicken Soup.

For a more substantial spread, add Pull-apart Garlic Cheesy Bread and a glass of Tinto de Verano (Summer Red Wine) to complete your meal.

Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Recipe FAQs

What are the best tomatoes to use for Caprese salad?

The best tomatoes are ripe, in-season tomatoes with good flavor. Beefsteak, Roma, or heirloom varieties all work well. Local, farm-fresh tomatoes will provide the most flavor, especially during summer months.

Can I make Caprese salad ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella and store separately, then assemble and add dressing just before serving. Fully assembled Caprese salad is best enjoyed within a few hours.

What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic reduction?

Balsamic glaze typically contains added sweeteners like sugar or honey, while balsamic reduction is simply balsamic vinegar that’s been simmered down to a thicker consistency. Both work well in this recipe, but regular balsamic vinegar is too thin and will pool on the plate.

How do I know if my mozzarella is fresh?

Fresh mozzarella should be stored in liquid (usually water or whey), have a soft texture, mild flavor, and slight resistance when pulled apart. It should never be rubbery or have a sour smell.

Can I turn this into a pasta salad?

Absolutely! Cook and cool some pasta (like bow tie or penne), then toss with chopped Caprese ingredients and extra dressing for a delicious pasta salad variation. This makes a great portable lunch or picnic dish.

Need More Salad Recipes? Try These:

Easy Caprese Salad with tomato, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze on a white plate.

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