Description
Caprese Salad is a refreshing, no-cook Italian dish that celebrates simplicity and seasonal flavors. Made with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a touch of olive oil and balsamic glaze, this salad delivers perfect harmony in every bite. Whether served as a starter, light lunch, or side dish, it’s a vibrant addition to any summer table easy, elegant, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1½ pounds ripe tomatoes (3–4 medium), sliced ¼” thick
12–16 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼” thick
1 bunch fresh basil (about ⅓ cup basil leaves)
3 tablespoons olive oil, for drizzling
Maldon salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
Select High-Quality Ingredients
Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and soft, high-moisture mozzarella. Fresh, fragrant basil is essential. Let all ingredients come to room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Prepare and Slice
Using a serrated knife, slice tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼” thick rounds. Gently wash and pat dry the basil leaves.
Assemble the Salad
Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a large serving plate, slightly overlapping. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
Season and Finish
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salad. Sprinkle generously with Maldon salt and cracked black pepper. If using, lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
Let It Rest
Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavor and lets the juices mingle beautifully.
Notes
Balsamic Glaze Tip: A little goes a long way use it sparingly to complement, not overpower.
Room Temperature Rule: Don’t serve ingredients cold; allow them to warm slightly to enhance taste and texture.
Knife Matters: A serrated knife ensures clean tomato slices without bruising or squishing.
Layer Seasoning: Lightly salt tomato slices as you build the salad for well-balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: caprese salad, tomato mozzarella salad, Italian appetizer, summer salad, fresh basil salad, vegetarian recipe, no-cook dish, easy salad recipe, balsamic caprese