🍃 Caprese Salad Recipe — A Taste of Italian Summer!
Every time summer rolls around, my kitchen becomes a celebration of freshness, simplicity, and vibrant flavors. Few dishes embody this spirit better than the classic Caprese Salad. Imagine juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella slices, and fragrant fresh basil leaves dancing together on a platter, drizzled with olive oil and tangy balsamic glaze. Ahhh—simple, yet sublime!
Whenever I prepare this dish, I’m instantly transported back to a sleepy little village on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Imagine cobblestone streets lined with cozy trattorias, families gathering around rustic wooden tables enjoying the sunshine, flavors of Italy seasoned with laughter and stories. Yup, that’s my happy place!
Today, I’m thrilled to share my family-favorite Caprese Salad recipe with you. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a romantic picnic, or just a casual weekday lunch, this salad is your summer best friend.
👉 Who else loves the taste of summer on a plate?
My Favorite Caprese Story (An Italian Food Memory!)
When I was first exploring Italy during culinary school, my travels led me down tiny alleyways into picturesque cafés, where recipes weren’t written down—they lived in the hearts and hands of local home cooks. One sunny afternoon in Positano, sitting on a terrace overlooking the sparkling azure sea, I ordered a humble insalata caprese for lunch. It arrived, stunningly simple: sweet tomatoes grown right in the owner’s backyard garden, delicate mozzarella handmade that very morning, basil leaves so fresh I swear they still had morning dew.
That one bite changed how I viewed food forever. It wasn’t fancy techniques that made it memorable—it was freshness, simplicity, and the generous passion behind it. Since then, Caprese Salad has been a summertime staple in my own kitchen. Every time I make it, I hope to pass that joyful food memory to everyone around the table.
Let’s cook up that Italian magic together!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
One of the beauties of Caprese Salad is how effortlessly you can showcase beautiful ingredients. Quality and freshness matter most here, friends!
– 1½ lbs ripe tomatoes (about 3–4 medium-size tomatoes), sliced ¼” thick (Heirloom tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or vine-ripened tomatoes are excellent choices.)
– 12–16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼” thick (Look for mozzarella labeled as “fresh” packed in liquid or vacuum-sealed—trust me, it matters.)
– 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about ⅓ cup leaves, rinsed and dried well)
– 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
– ½ tsp sea salt (or more, to taste)
– ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground is best)
– 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze (optional—but highly recommended; you can buy it pre-made or easily whip your own!)
👩🍳 Easy, Step-by-step Caprese Salad Directions
Here’s the awesome part—no complicated cooking skills required! You’ll put this beauty together in minutes, and you’ll amaze everyone with how gourmet yet effortless your salad looks.
Step 1: Beautifully Layer It Up!
On your favorite serving platter or large plate, alternate slices of juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, layering them in an attractive fanned-out arrangement. I like to tuck a basil leaf or two between each layer so you see pops of bright green with every slice.
Step 2: Season Generously!
Sprinkle evenly with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, which enhance the natural sweetness and freshness of the salad.
Step 3: Drizzle Goodness Over the Top
Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. For extra yum-factor and visual appeal, drizzle balsamic glaze over your salad. It adds a sweet-tangy punch that perfectly balances the creamy mozzarella and tomatoes.
Step 4: Enjoy It Fresh!
Serve right away and savor every delightful bite. Buon appetito, friends!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Caprese Salad
The Caprese Salad shines when served as a delicious side dish alongside crispy grilled bread, Italian bruschetta, grilled chicken or fish, or any pasta dish. Add it to your picnics, potlucks, or summertime cookouts—it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear. I promise!
🌟 Pro Tips from my Kitchen to Yours:
– Tip #1: Choose tomatoes at peak ripeness for best flavor—firm yet juicy with vibrant color.
– Tip #2: For maximum deliciousness, always slice mozzarella and tomatoes evenly. Consistent thickness gives a pleasing texture and professional look.
– Tip #3: Easily make your own homemade balsamic glaze! Gently simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until slightly syrupy. Let cool completely before using. You’re welcome! 😉
📊 Nutritional Info (per serving):
Just another beautiful thing—the Caprese Salad is nutritious, wholesome, and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, calcium, and protein—a healthy addition to any meal plan!
– Calories: 261
– Prep Time: 15 min
– Total Time: 15 min
– Serves: 6 (side salad portions)
🥳 Let’s Chat!
Have you ever tried traditional Caprese Salad before? What’s your favorite way to enjoy it—or maybe you’ve visited Italy yourself? I’d absolutely love to hear your Caprese stories or variations—drop a comment below and let’s share foodie memories. After all, the heart of great cooking is community and love, right? 😊
Happy summer cooking, friends—enjoy this gorgeous plateful of sunshine! ☀️
Print
Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
1½ lbs ripe tomatoes (3–4 medium), sliced ¼” thick
12–16 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼” thick
1 bunch fresh basil (about ⅓ cup leaves)
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
2 Tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, to taste)
Instructions
On a platter, layer tomato slices with mozzarella slices tucked between.
Add fresh basil leaves between each slice so all layers show beautifully.
Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Drizzle olive oil over the top, followed by balsamic glaze if using.
Serve fresh and enjoy every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 261