Classic Caprese Salad
A refreshing and vibrant Italian classic that celebrates the perfect harmony of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
👥 4 servings⏱ Prep 15′🔥 Cook 30′⚡ 280 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- •4 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- •1 pound (450g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- •1 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- •1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- •2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
- •1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern on a large serving platter, overlapping them slightly.
- 2
Tuck the fresh basil leaves in between the tomato and mozzarella slices.
- 3
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire salad.
- 4
If using, drizzle the balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern over the top.
- 5
Sprinkle the salad generously with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For the best flavor, use room-temperature tomatoes rather than refrigerated ones, as cold dulls their natural sweetness.
- If you cannot find fresh mozzarella balls, a high-quality log of fresh mozzarella works perfectly as long as it is sliced evenly.
- Assemble the salad no more than 30 minutes before serving to ensure the basil stays crisp and the tomatoes remain firm.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished salad should look like a colorful mosaic of red, white, and green, with a bright, herbaceous aroma and a perfect balance of creamy, acidic, and savory flavors.