Craving something fresh and bursting with flavor?
This Caprese Salad is the perfect choice for a quick, effortless dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, it’s a simple yet stunning way to enjoy the flavors of Italy.
Whether you’re serving it as a light appetizer or pairing it with your favorite meal, this no-cook salad is sure to impress in just 10 minutes.
For Caprese Salad
- Tomatoes – Use 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick. They’re the heart of this salad, juicy and fresh.
- Mozzarella – 1 pound of fresh mozzarella, sliced into ¼-inch rounds, for that creamy texture.
- Basil – ½ cup of fresh basil leaves, adding that fragrant herbal note.
- Flaky Sea Salt – A sprinkle to enhance the flavors and bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – A few cracks to add a bit of spice and depth.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons for a rich, smooth drizzle.
- Balsamic Glaze – 2 tablespoons for a touch of sweetness and tangy finish.
Easy Caprese Salad
Looking for a quick, fresh dish that feels effortlessly elegant? This Caprese Salad comes together in just 10 minutes with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil — all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
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PinServings: 4
Notes
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 medium ripe tomatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Layer the tomatoes and mozzarella
- On a large serving platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern.
- Slightly overlap the slices.
- Add the basil
- Tuck whole basil leaves between the slices or scatter them on top.
- Season
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the salad.
- Add a few cracks of black pepper.
- Finish with oil and glaze
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top.
- Serve and enjoy
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor!
Nutrition
Calories: 458 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.8g | Protein: 26.1g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18.7g | Sodium: 815.1mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 6.4g
- Can I use any kind of tomatoes for this salad?
- Answer: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes like heirloom or vine-ripened. They provide the sweetest, juiciest taste. If you can’t find those, any firm, ripe tomatoes will work, just make sure they’re not overripe to avoid sogginess.
- How can I prevent my mozzarella from becoming watery?
- Answer: To keep your mozzarella from making the salad soggy, drain it well before slicing. Gently press the slices to remove excess moisture. Serving the mozzarella at room temperature also helps improve the texture and flavor.
- Can I make the salad ahead of time?
- Answer: It’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to preserve its freshness, but you can prep individual components in advance. Slice your tomatoes and mozzarella and store them separately in the fridge. Just add the basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze before serving.
- Can I add anything extra to my Caprese Salad?
- Answer: Absolutely! You can customize your Caprese Salad with extra ingredients like avocado for creaminess, or add a handful of arugula or mixed greens for extra crunch. Pine nuts or even a drizzle of pesto can also elevate the flavors.
- What’s the best way to store leftover Caprese Salad?
- Answer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two in the fridge. However, the basil may wilt, and the tomatoes can release more liquid over time, so it’s best to store the components separately and assemble them fresh when possible.
