Caprese Salad
Experience the fresh flavors of summer with this easy and delicious Caprese Salad recipe! Perfect for a light lunch, starter, or side dish, this salad combines juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini (mozzarella balls), and aromatic fresh basil, all drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. To finish, a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness. It's a beautiful and vibrant dish that's sure to impress.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
What is Caprese Salad?
Caprese Salad, or “Insalata Caprese,” is a classic Italian dish named after the island of Capri. This simple yet elegant salad is renowned for its refreshing combination of flavors and textures, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. It's a delightful way to enjoy the best of summer produce and brings a taste of Italy to your table.
Why We Love Caprese Salad
We absolutely love Caprese Salad for its simplicity and delightful flavors. The combination of fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and cherry tomatoes creates a beautiful salad that is both refreshing and satisfying. This simple dish showcases the best of what summer has to offer, especially when you use the best tomatoes from your local farmers market.
When it comes to caprese salads, the key is in the freshness of the ingredients. Make sure you have a fresh supply of basil and the ripest tomatoes you can find. For a traditional approach, use whole basil leaves and cut the tomatoes into thick slices. The classic caprese combination of tomatoes and basil truly makes this dish the perfect combination of flavors.
Health Benefits of Caprese Salad
Is Caprese Salad healthy? Absolutely! This salad is a great source of vitamins A and C from the tomatoes, calcium and protein from the fresh mozzarella, and healthy fats from the extra virgin olive oil. Plus, the basil leaves add a wonderful flavor and are packed with antioxidants. It's a delicious and nutritious choice for any meal.
What does Caprese mean in Italian?
“Caprese” refers to something that comes from or is related to the island of Capri in Italy.
What is Caprese Salad made of?
Caprese Salad is made with a few fresh ingredients that come together to create a harmonious and flavorful dish. You'll need juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), fresh basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Each ingredient contributes to the salad's vibrant and delicious profile.
This recipe also has an alternate traditional version using slices of Roma tomatoes and fresh mozzarella slices, perfect for a more classic presentation.
Be sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full ingredients & instructions!
How to make Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil – Overview
You can find the full recipe details, including ingredient amounts and the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but first, here's a quick overview of how to make a Caprese Salad from scratch!
Making Caprese Salad is incredibly simple and quick. Start by preparing the ingredients: slice the cherry tomatoes and bocconcini in half. Combine these with fresh basil leaves in a large bowl.
Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While Caprese Salad is typically served fresh and uncooked, you can experiment with grilling the tomatoes and mozzarella for a warm variation.
Simply skewer cherry tomatoes and bocconcini, brush with olive oil, and grill until lightly charred. Assemble the salad as usual and enjoy a smoky twist on this classic dish.
Using the Right Mozzarella
For the best results, use fresh mozzarella or mozzarella slices. If you can find low moisture or milk mozzarella, even better! .
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
For a twist on the traditional Caprese Salad, try using heirloom tomatoes or adding fresh peaches for a hint of sweetness.
If you can't find bocconcini, fresh mozzarella slices work just as well. For a balsamic glaze alternative, a balsamic reduction can be used to add depth and sweetness.
Caprese Salad is versatile. If you're out of balsamic vinegar, try using a balsamic reduction or even a splash of red wine vinegar. Want to add some crunch? Sprinkle some flaky sea salt or kosher salt on top. And for a different presentation, try an alternating pattern of tomatoes mozzarella and basil leaves on a serving platter.
To enhance the flavor, make sure to use the highest quality ingredients. Drizzle olive oil generously and season with salt and pepper to taste. A touch of sea salt or flaky sea salt can elevate the flavors even more. Remember to serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh taste.
Perfect for Tomato Season
Caprese Salad is a great salad to make during tomato season. The ripe tomatoes are at their peak flavor, making this summer salad even more irresistible. Pair it with heirloom tomatoes for an extra burst of color and taste. You can also add fresh peaches or a few slices of sweet onion for a unique twist.
Can I make Caprese Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients for Caprese Salad ahead of time, but it's best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. You can slice the tomatoes and mozzarella and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day.
Storage Instructions
Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Since the ingredients can become soggy, it's recommended to store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
What to serve with Caprese Salad – Serving Suggestions
Caprese Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with various main courses. Try serving it alongside grilled meats, pasta dishes, or as part of a charcuterie board.
Other Recipes You'll Enjoy
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 lb bocconcini (small mozzarella balls)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsps balsamic glaze – you can use the recipe included below OR you can use store bought balsamic glaze if you can find it
Instructions
Before you begin, please have all your ingredients ready to go. If you're making your own homemade balsamic glaze, I've included a recipe at the bottom of this recipe card – you can also use store bought balsamic glaze if you like!
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Drain the bocconcini and cut them in half if they are large.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and fresh basil leaves.
- Season: Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Toss gently: Mix everything gently to combine, ensuring the tomatoes and bocconcini are well-coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates and drizzle some balsamic glaze over top (see the recipe below). Enjoy immediately as a refreshing starter or side dish.
Balsamic Glaze Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsps honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Reduce: Simmer the vinegar until it has reduced by half and has a syrupy consistency. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let it cool. The glaze will thicken further as it cools. Once cooled, transfer to a container and set aside.
Notes
Alternate version: You can easily adapt this recipe by using slices of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella instead of cherry tomatoes and bocconcini. Simply use nearly any type of tomato, slicing them into even rounds, and substitute bocconcini with slices of fresh mozzarella. When preparing it this way, it's nice to lay them out on a plate, alternating between tomato, mozzarella, and whole basil leaves. Then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, and finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This variation maintains the classic Caprese salad look and flavor while allowing for flexibility based on what you have available.
