Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together with extra virgin olive oil to create a dish that is both vibrant and beautifully balanced. The classic colors naturally reflect the Italian flag, while the simplicity of the recipe allows high-quality ingredients and fresh flavors to shine.
Servings 6
Calories 220kcal
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes sliced ¼-inch thick
- 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze optional
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil.
- Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into even ¼-inch slices.
- Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels if it contains excess moisture.
- Arrange the Salad
- On a large serving platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between each slice for an attractive presentation.
- Season
- Drizzle evenly with extra virgin olive oil.
- If desired, lightly drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for no longer than 20–30 minutes before serving.
- Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Total Sugars: 4 g
- Includes Added Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 11 g
Ingredient Functionality
- Fresh tomatoes provide natural sweetness, acidity, color, and moisture that form the foundation of the salad.
- Fresh mozzarella contributes a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal aroma and classic Italian character.
- Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor, contributes richness, and helps coat the ingredients evenly.
- Balsamic glaze (optional) provides a sweet-tart finishing note that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients.
- Black pepper adds mild warmth and aromatic depth.
Chef’s Notes
- Use tomatoes that are fully ripe and in season for the best flavor and texture.
- Fresh mozzarella packed in water should be drained well before assembling the salad to prevent excess liquid on the serving platter.
- High-quality extra virgin olive oil is one of the defining flavors of this simple recipe, so choose one with a fresh, fruity profile.
- Assemble the salad shortly before serving to preserve the texture and freshness of the ingredients.
- For the fullest flavor, avoid serving the tomatoes directly from the refrigerator, as room-temperature tomatoes develop a more balanced sweetness and aroma.
