Enjoy a delicious Caprese Salad with ripe summer tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic reduction. Classic, simple, and perfect for summer!
There’s nothing I love more in the summertime than fresh, juicy tomatoes. One of my favorite summer activities is going to the farmers market to buy seasonal fruits and veggies, especially tomatoes. And you can bet I’m coming home to whip up a killer caprese salad!
I love this salad because there are only 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper), but this salad is bursting with flavors and textures. The tomatoes and basil are so refreshing, while the mozzarella adds a rich, creamy element. A drizzle of balsamic reduction elevates this salad into something special.
But the best thing about this salad recipe is how elegant it looks, even though it’s so easy to make. This recipe comes together in about 5 minutes! Just layer the ingredients, add the finishing touches, and it’s ready to enjoy.
Caprese salad is also incredibly versatile. I love this dish as a summer snack or appetizer to enjoy while we’re cooking on the grill. You can also pair it with your favorite protein to make a full meal. This Baked Chicken Caprese is one of our all-time favorite chicken dinners.
I know you’ll love this recipe as much as we do, so let’s get into it!
Ingredients you’ll need
Tomatoes — This salad is best when made with perfectly ripe and juicy tomatoes. The best place to buy fresh tomatoes is at the farmers market. I like using large heirloom tomatoes so the slices are about the same size as the sliced mozzarella.
Mozzarella — I’m using fresh, whole-milk mozzarella here.
Fresh basil — I leave the basil leaves whole, which prevents them from oxidizing (turning brown) as quickly.
Olive oil — This is the perfect recipe to use your best olive oil!
Balsamic reduction — SO easy to make (see my recipe tips for instructions!) Or, you can purchase a pre-made balsamic reduction to save time.
Salt and pepper — I like using flaky sea salt and fresh ground black pepper for extra flavor and a little bit of texture.
If you prefer, you can add avocado, or use it instead of the cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Instructions to make Caprese Salad
Layer:
Arrange the slices of tomatoes and mozzarella in an alternating pattern on a serving dish. Then, gently tuck a basil leaf in between each layer.
Drizzle:
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic reduction, then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. And if you like, you can season it with dried herbs like oregano too. Enjoy!
:
Olivia’s Recipe Tips
- To make the balsamic reduction, bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a light boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly until it thickens.
- The best tomatoes to use for this recipe are ripe and in season! Otherwise, just about any tomato variety will work, so go with whatever is going to taste the best!
- I prefer serving this salad at room temperature to bring out the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
- Olive oil with a light fruity flavor is a wonderful complement to the tomatoes.
What To Serve with Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is the perfect summer appetizer as-is. But, if I want to make it a little heartier, I’ll pair this dish with homemade garlic bread.
It’s also an incredibly versatile side dish that you can serve with anything from simple baked chicken to a nice salmon steak.
Of course, this Italian salad always makes an appearance when we have main dishes like pasta and steak. Also great with grilled BBQ recipes such as chicken kabobs, grilled chicken breast, grilled shrimp, and beef kabobs!
Recipe Variations
Add fruit: If you like the combination of sweet and savory, you have to try this recipe with fresh peaches or dark cherries. They both work so well with the tomatoes and balsamic.
Different cheese: Fresh mozzarella cheese is a big part of this recipe, but you can swap it for burrata cheese.
Toppings: Finish the salad with a drizzle of basil pesto or toasted pine nuts for even more flavor and some crunch.
Mini Caprese: Make a bite-sized version of this salad with cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls. It’s just as delicious and requires less prep work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese is a simple Italian salad named for the island of Capri. It features fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, which also reflect the colors of the Italian flag.
Perfectly ripe tomatoes will be nice and fragrant, especially at the stem end. You also want to look for tomatoes that feel heavy, but not hard, with smooth vibrant skin.
A balsamic reduction, also known as balsamic glaze, is made by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens into a syrupy consistency. This process intensifies the flavors, resulting in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce.
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh as the tomatoes can become mushy and the whole basil may wilt over time. To extend its freshness, store the components (mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil) separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
If you enjoy thissalad recipe, be sure to check out the full collection of Salad Recipes here at Primavera Kitchen!
Even More Summer Salads
Caprese Salad
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Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes sliced
- 12-18 ounces mozzarella sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic reduction
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating between the two. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction over the salad. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Caprese Salad!
Tips
- Caprese salad is only as good as the ingredients you use. So, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are key for this recipe.
- If you don’t have a balsamic reduction, you can use balsamic vinegar instead.
- Serve caprese salad immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Olivia says
Maria says
Amo esse alimento
Olivia says
Obrigada!