Caprese Salad is a classic summer staple. This no bake tomato salad requires just five ingredients and is ready in 5 minutes! This dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics or an easy summer side!
Why You’ll Love this Salad
- EASY: this dish is so easy it is a great recipe for a beginner!
- AFFORDABLE: this recipe has no tricky or hard to find ingredients! It requires minimal ingredients making it an affordable dish!
- SEASONAL: this is the perfect use for garden fresh or farmers market tomatoes!
What is Caprese Salad?
A Caprese salad is a traditional Italian salad. The dish incorporates the colors of the Italian flag which are red, white, and green. It is named after the island of Capri, located off the coast of Italy. Having visited Italy many times I can personally attest to the fact that this salad is everywhere. It is also made slightly differently every time you try it. Most often in Italy large tomato slices and layered with large fresh mozzarella slices with fresh basil. Sometimes, the salad features olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and sometimes just olive oil and salt are used.
Ingredients for Tomato Salad
As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients needed to make this tomato and mozzarella salad. The salad is simple and typically consists of the following ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes: you can use any variety of tomatoes including cherry, large beefsteak tomatoes, heirloom, or any variety of those.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: small mozzarella pearls, or fresh slices work in this recipe, it is simply a matter of preference.
- Fresh basil leaves: basil leaves are an essential component of a Caprese salad. They add a fragrant and herbal note to the dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil is used to enhance the flavors and add richness to the salad. This is my absolute favorite, no other olive oil compares.
- Balsamic Vinegar: this isn’t a tradition Italian ingredient, but is found in most U.S. adaptations of this salad. It is an optional ingredient and can be used or skipped.
- Salt and pepper: A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper are sprinkled over the salad to season it.
How to Make Caprese Salad
To assemble the salad, add the chopped tomatoes to a bowl and add the mozzarella pearls. Season the salad with flakey sea salt, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using) and fresh basil. Toss to coat the salad and enjoy!
Alternatively, if you wish to make this with large tomatoes simply assemble the tomato and mozzarella slices are alternated on a plate. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle salt and fresh basil.
Serve
The salad is often served as an appetizer or as a side dish. It is beloved for its ease, simplicity, fresh flavors, and beautiful presentation. This dish goes well with any things, but these are some of my favorites:
- Pesto Eggs: fried eggs are cooked on a bed of crispy parmesan and flavorful pesto! This tomato salad pairs perfectly for a healthy breakfast or easy dinner!
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken: this crispy chicken is excellent with the fresh flavors in this dish.
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage: a match made in heaven!
- Chicken Parmesan: breaded chicken is fried until super crunchy, topped with marinara and cheese!
- Pesto Chicken Sliders: delicious sliders that are perfect for a party.
Storage
Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh. It can be refrigerated for a short period of two to three days for optimal taste and texture. Tomatoes tend to break down and release their juices over time, which can make the salad watery. The texture of the mozzarella is also compromised by the tomato acidity as time passes.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose flavorful tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes is key to a delicious Caprese salad. Seek ripe, juicy tomatoes that are full of flavor. If possible, opt for heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for the best taste.
- Fresh Mozzarella: for this I don’t mean Kraft mozzarella you may enjoy on pizza night. Instead, check the deli or fine foods section of your grocery for an authentic traditional mozzarella such as di Bufala or cow’s milk mozzarella. The cheese should be soft, creamy, and have a mild flavor.
- Fresh Basil: avoid dried basil or fresh basil that has wilted or brown spots. Basil heightens all the other flavors and brightens the dish.
- Make Fresh: avoid making the salad too far in advance, as the tomatoes omit juice and the taste and texture is compromised as it sits.
Other Salad Recipes
- Green Goddess Salad: This Green Goddess Salad features perfectly grilled chicken, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and an herby dressing that is absolutely irresistible!
- Southwest Chicken Salad: This delicious Southwest Chicken Salad is bursting with flavor! Chock full of greens, tender chicken, avocado, beans, and corn, this healthy recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon: This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is the perfect quick and easy side dish! This keto salad has about 4 net carbs per serving and is always a crowd pleaser!
- The Best Cucumber Salad: This Mediterranean-inspired salad is crisp, refreshing, and full of bold flavors. It’s keto-friendly, low carb, and it takes just a few minutes to put it all together!
Easy Tomato Recipes
- This Chicken Margherita recipe is full of fresh flavors! Balsamic Grilled Chicken is topped with fresh mozzarella, creamy pesto, and a bright tomato basil salad!
- This Tomato Galette with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction is a simple, yet impressive dish everyone will love!
- Make this Corn and Tomato Salad recipe for your next potluck or BBQ. It’s a quick and easy summer side dish that everyone loves!
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes quartered or sliced
- 1 8 ounce package mozzarella pearls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar optional, add to taste
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cherry tomatoes and add to a large bowl. Add the mozzarella pearls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using) and salt to taste. Stir to coat.
- Top the salad with freshly chopped basil and gently stir.
How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?