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Caprese Salad is one of these simple Italian appetizer dish that capture effortless the essence of Summer and Italian Cuisine at its best.
With its vivid colors and simple ingredients, this classic caprese salad tells a story of tradition, quality, and the Italian philosophy of “less is more.” It’s not just a salad—it’s a celebration of fresh produce, Mediterranean flavors, and culinary heritage.
But what is Caprese Salad? Caprese Salad, or Insalata Caprese, is more than just mozzarella cheese and tomato salad. It’s a dish that represents the tricolore of the Italian flag and reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle—sun-kissed tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Whether served as a light appetizer or a refreshing side, this dish remains one of Italy’s most beloved culinary icons. In one bite you will taste the juicy and ripe tomatoes, the creamy burrata, the fresh basil, the brightness of the olive oil and the acidity the salt bring in, balancing everything together.
It’s a dish that’s elegant yet incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re throwing together a quick lunch or planning a multi-course Italian feast, Caprese Salad fits in seamlessly.
The Origin of Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad hails from the idyllic island of Capri, located in the Campania region of southern Italy. Known for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters, Capri has long been a favorite retreat for artists, writers, and European aristocrats. The salad first gained popularity in the early 20th century, possibly as a tribute to Italian patriotism, thanks to its red, white, and green colors.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of Caprese Salad was on a menu at the Hotel Quisisana in the 1920s. It’s believed the dish was served to honor visiting royalty and dignitaries with a meal that was light, fresh, and quintessentially Italian. Some other sources sais this creation was a tribute to Tommaso Marinetti, founder of the Italian futurism, who preferred lighter meals to the most traditional pasta dish.
Tradition tells as well that it was a bricklayer who first invented this dish, assembling genuine products that recall the color of the Italian flags.
Whatever is the origin of this humble , over time, its simplicity and beauty earned it a place in trattorias and home kitchens across the country—and eventually, the world.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-You will love the unparalleled freshness and balance of flavors of this Italian Salad recipe.
-Traditional Caprese Salad is easy to make and ready in under 20 minutes!
-Caprese is the summer salad of choice: a crowd pleaser, ideal for a quick lunch, a party, an informal dinner or as a side dish for your BBQ, you never go wrong!
Caprese Salad Ingredients
I never order a Caprese Salad at the restaurant: if you love working with fresh and high quality ingredients this recipe will make them shine and you can make it in the comfort of your own kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need for a Classic Caprese Salad:
Tomatoes: preferably heirloom tomatoes or vine-ripened, or beefsteak. Flavorful, ripe tomatoes at room temperature is key. Your tomatoes should look ripe, with no marks, and they should feel heavy like they are filled with water. Always go seasonal. Summer tomatoes are unbeatable in flavor. If you can buy them at a local farm or grocery market, avoid grocery stores ones, as usually they are refrigerated—they lose their aroma and texture.
When it is about mozzarella, I am a bit picky in terms of brands. I usually go to Eataly and buy the bufala mozzarella that comes in a bag. If you do not leave in a city that has Eataly, I recommend then Liuzzi.
Fresh basil leaves: Ensure the leaves are green, not chopped or bruised. Pick basil just before serving to keep it fragrant. Chop them with your hand over the salad, do not use a knife, it will oxidize faster and loose its bright color.
Fresh basil leaves: Ensure the leaves are green, not chopped or bruised. Pick basil just before serving to keep it fragrant. Chop them with your hand over the salad, do not use a knife, it will oxidize faster and loose its bright color.Extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle. Go for a robust, peppery extra virgin olive oil from Italy. Use extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, slightly peppery profile. Italian varieties like Tuscan or Sicilian oils work beautifully. My favorite brand is Carli, a Ligurian olive oil low in acidity that delivers straight to your house and is available in US as well. This oil has been the trusted one since 3 generations in my family.
Sea Salt: to taste. Sea slat flakes works best, but also coarse sea salt is good. Ensure your salt possibly to come from the Mediterranean region. Flaky sea salt or fleur de sel enhances the natural flavors. Avoid over-salting to keep the salad balanced and delicate.
Freshly ground black pepper, to add a subtle heat.
Bread: some crusty bread or homemade focaccia are necessary. The best part is at the end! After you scooped out your tomato mozzarella saladd you will have a pool of tomato juice, mozzarella whey and olive oil inviting you to dip a piece of bread and make “scarpetta”, a sacred Italian tradition consisting of dipping the bread into the sauce left on your plate!
How to make Caprese Salad
Caprese recipe is very easy and straightforward, follow this simple step by step guide to make an incredible Caprese!
STEP 1: Prepare the tomatoes
Wash and slice the tomatoes into even, ¼-inch thick slices. Lay them out on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
STEP 2: Slice the Mozzarella:
Drain the mozzarella and gently pat it dry. Slice into rounds roughly the same thickness as the tomatoes.
STEP 3: Assemble the salad
Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella in a circular pattern on a serving platter. Tuck basil leaves between the layers or scatter them over the top.
STEP 4: Season and Dress:
Sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt over the salad. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Add freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Serve immediately along with some crusty bread, ciabatta or focaccia. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of Italy on your plate.
More Italian Salad Recipes for you
Burrata Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes
Pesto Salad with Shrimp and Farro
Cherry Mozzarella Salad (Juliet Salad)
How to serve the best Caprese Salad recipe
You can serve caprese Salad in several delicious ways. You can have it as Appetizer: A starter course for a full Italian meal. It will also work as a side dish, it will pair beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. ( Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labour Day, Summer BBQ gathering).
I have to confess I often enjoy Caprese as a light Lunch: Add some crusty bread and a glass of wine or on top of some grilled bread (toast), a classic bruschetta bite.
Another idea is making a caprese sandwich, stuffing your ciabatta roll lightly warmed up with tomatoes and mozzarella slices, basil, EVOO, salt and pepper.
Caprese is best served fresh and at room temperature. This allows all the flavors to come through and prevents the mozzarella from becoming too firm.
Variations and Substitutions
While for me the best caprese salad recipe is the classic Caprese, you can get creative with some thoughtful variations. Create multiple caprese salad recipes just swapping or interchanging some ingredients: sunny season is coming and so are multiple ideas to get creative!
Burrata Caprese: Swap mozzarella for burrata—a fresh Italian cheese with a creamy interior. It adds a luxurious texture and richness. It will still be a caprese tomato salad, but more decadent!
You can make Caprese Salad with cherry tomatoes : Thread cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and basil onto toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized version. Caprese Salad Skewers are a great idea for an apertive, a bridal shower, or a party dinner.
Grilled Caprese: for a twist lightly grill thick tomato slices or the mozzarella to add a smoky depth to the dish.
Add fruits: peaches, nectarine pairs well with tomatoes, or if you do not like tomatoes, swap them with strawberries. Adding fruits add a tangy-sweet summer twist.
Pesto Drizzle: if you like this, my recommendation is really to use a drizzle as it can overpower the rest of the flavors.
Balsamic Reduction: more of a modern addition, far from the original Italian recipes, often Caprese is served with a drizzle of Balsamic glaze, which add a sweet-sour taste to the dish. I am not fond of it, but many people like it. Try it, test it and let me know your thoughts!
Need a Vegan Caprese: Use plant-based mozzarella alternatives or marinated tofu in place of cheese.
Wine Pairing
Caprese Salad is delicate and fresh, so it pairs best with light, crisp wines that don’t overpower its subtle flavors. Here are a few perfect matches:
Verdicchio – dry and mineral, a classic Italian white that goes well as its acidity contrasts the creaminess of the mozzarella.
A Pinot Grigio can also work, as it is bright and citrusy, complementing therefore the tomatoes.
Obviously I am biased here, since I was born on the Prosecco hills! But a bubbly Prosecco cleanses the palate and highlight the salad’s freshness.
For Red, I recommend a light-bodied wine like Dolcetto or Frappato – low-tannin reds that won’t clash with acidity from tomatoes.
Serve the wine well-chilled, especially in warm weather, to complete your Caprese experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Caprese Salad ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving. Avoid salting or dressing the salad in advance, as this draws out moisture.
Can I use dried basil?
No—fresh basil is essential for authentic flavor and presentation. Dried basil lacks the aromatic oils and color.
Is balsamic vinegar traditional in Caprese Salad recipe?
No. Traditional Caprese relies on tomatoes’ natural acidity and olive oil. Balsamic glaze, vinegar or reduction is a modern adaptation.
Can I store leftovers?
Caprese doesn’t keep well due to the high moisture content. If you must, store in an airtight container for up to one day, but expect the texture to change.
What bread goes best with Caprese Salad?
Rustic Italian bread like ciabatta or pane pugliese is ideal. Toast it lightly and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor. I alos love to pair it with my homemade focaccia bread.
Is Caprese Salad healthy?
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein. It is a balanced meal and it can be part of a healthy diet.
I hope you liked this Caprese Salad recipe! If you try this recipe and you liked it, please leave a star review below! I would be very appreciative of your comments! Make sure to tag me on Instagram @Italian_kitchen_confessions I hope you loved it! To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.
Ingredients
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese bufala mozzarella
- 1 pound tomatoes fresh
- 16 leaves basil fresh
- 4 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tsp salt flakes, coarse
- 1 tsp pepper ground black
Instructions
STEP 1: Prepare the tomatoes
- Wash and slice the tomatoes into even, ¼-inch thick slices. Lay them out on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
STEP 2: Slice the Mozzarella:
- Drain the mozzarella and gently pat it dry. Slice into rounds roughly the same thickness as the tomatoes.
STEP 3: Assemble the salad
- Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella in a circular pattern on a serving platter. Tuck basil leaves between the layers or scatter them over the top.
STEP 4: Season and Dress:
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt over the salad. Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Add freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately along with some crusty bread, ciabatta or focaccia. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of Italy on your plate.
Notes
Nutrition
