Classic Caprese Salad
A refreshing and iconic Italian salad that celebrates the simple, vibrant harmony of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients
- •16 ounces (450g) fresh mozzarella di bufala or cow's milk mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- •4 large ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- •1 cup fresh basil leaves, rinsed 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 between the tomato and mozzarella slices throughout the platter.
- 3
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire salad.
- 4
If using, lightly drizzle the balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern over the top.
- 5
Finish by sprinkling the flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the salad just before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For the best flavor, serve the salad at room temperature rather than straight from the refrigerator, as cold temperatures dull the flavor of the tomatoes.
- Use the highest quality extra virgin olive oil you can find, as it is a primary flavor component of this dish.
- If you cannot find balsamic glaze, you can simmer 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until it reduces by half to create your own.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished salad should look like a vibrant mosaic of red, white, and green, smelling of fresh herbs and olive oil, with a taste that is perfectly balanced between creamy, acidic, and sweet.