Introduction
Caprese Salad is one of those timeless dishes that proves the beauty of simplicity. My first encounter with it was during a trip to Italy, where the freshness of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil was elevated with just a drizzle of olive oil. It was a revelation—no heavy sauces or complicated techniques, just perfect ingredients in harmony. Back in my kitchen, I, Lina Vexley, began recreating that experience, realizing that this salad wasn’t just food, but an expression of Mediterranean culture. Caprese Salad, for me, is about savoring life’s purest flavors, slow moments, and vibrant colors.
Recipe (WP Recipe Maker JSON)
Caprese Salad
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Serving Platter
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 ripe tomatoes sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze optional
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds.
- On a serving platter, alternate slices of tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves in a circular or layered pattern.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze if using.
- Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Caprese Salad
Making Caprese Salad is all about letting fresh, quality ingredients shine. Begin by selecting the best tomatoes you can find—ripe, juicy, and firm. Slice them into even rounds to ensure a beautiful presentation. Next, slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds that match the size of your tomato slices. Fresh mozzarella, soft and milky, pairs perfectly with the acidity and sweetness of the tomatoes.
On a large serving platter, arrange the slices by alternating tomato, mozzarella, and whole basil leaves. You can create a circular pattern, a layered stack, or even scatter them artfully for a rustic style. The key is to balance the colors—red, white, and green—mirroring the Italian flag and creating visual appeal.
Once arranged, drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the salad. If you like a touch of sweetness, add a swirl of balsamic glaze, which enhances the flavor without overpowering the freshness. Finish with a sprinkle of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the taste. The seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, while the olive oil adds richness.
Caprese Salad requires no cooking and only takes minutes to prepare, yet it delivers a sophisticated and refreshing dish. It works beautifully as an appetizer, a side dish for grilled meats, or even as a light summer meal with crusty bread. The simplicity of this salad is what makes it so timeless—it relies on quality ingredients and a thoughtful presentation. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
Conclusion
Caprese Salad is a celebration of freshness and simplicity, bringing together just a few ingredients to create something extraordinary. With ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish captures the heart of Italian cuisine. For me, Lina Vexley, it represents the joy of slowing down and savoring life’s essentials. Whether served at a summer picnic, a family gathering, or an elegant dinner, Caprese Salad always delivers a taste of sunshine, elegance, and timeless tradition.