Caprese salad comes from Italy and shows off just a few ingredients: fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. It’s light, fresh, and balanced, perfect as a starter or side dish. Named after the island of Capri, this salad brings together the colors of the Italian flag and serves 2–4 people.
Ingredients
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3–4 ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened work well)
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200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte)
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A handful of fresh basil leaves
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2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Assembling the Salad
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even, round slices.
On a plate, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, overlapping slightly.
Tuck fresh basil leaves in between, either whole or torn.
Drizzle the olive oil over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste.
If using, finish with a thin line of balsamic glaze.
Serving
Caprese salad is best served right after assembling, at room temperature. Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own.
This salad is all about good ingredients. When the tomatoes are ripe and the cheese is fresh, you don’t need anything more.
