Enjoy the taste of Italy with this simple and refreshing Easy Caprese Salad Recipe.
Made with just a few ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every bite. I just love easy salad recipes!
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Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and flavorful side dish, this Caprese salad is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of easy and elegant recipes.
Is Caprese Salad Healthy
Yes, Caprese salad is generally considered healthy. It’s made with fresh and simple ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and olive oil, which provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
However, like any dish, portion size and additional toppings like salt and balsamic glaze can affect its overall healthiness.
Is Caprese Salad Italian
Yes, Caprese salad is Italian in origin.
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It originated in the Campania region of Italy, particularly in the area around Naples.
The salad is named after the island of Capri, located off the coast of Naples, where it is believed to have originated.
Can Caprese Salad Be Made Ahead of Time
Yes, Caprese salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best when prepared shortly before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. If you need to prepare it in advance, you can slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, arrange them on a platter, and then cover and refrigerate.
However, it’s recommended to add the basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain the salad’s vibrant flavors.
Can Caprese Salad Be Refrigerated
Yes, Caprese salad can be refrigerated, but it’s best to assemble it shortly before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
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If you need to refrigerate it, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the basil leaves to wilt and the tomatoes to become mushy.
It’s recommended to bring the salad to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its flavors.
Caprese Salad Ingredients
For the full ingredient measurements, scroll down to easy Caprese salad recipe card.
- large ripe tomatoes
- fresh mozzarella, large ball
- fresh basil
- extra virgin olive oil.
- balsamic vinegar
- sea salt and fresh-cracked black pepper
How to Make Caprese Salad
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying tomatoes and fresh basil. Slice the tomatoes into uniform pieces, about ¼” thick, and do the same with the fresh mozzarella.
Assemble the caprese salad by layering tomato slices, mozzarella, and large basil leaves on each plate, repeating until you’ve used 1 tomato and approximately 3 oz. of mozzarella per serving. Finish with a final tomato slice and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
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For the balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until reduced to about 1/3 of its volume, stirring constantly, then let it cool before generously drizzling it over the salad.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
More Mediterranean Recipes
Explore an array of delightful dishes inspired by the Mediterranean region, featuring vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients and wholesome cooking techniques in our collection of Mediterranean recipes.
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- MediterraneanChickpea Sala
- Mediterranean Linguine Recipe with Basil and Tomatoes
- MediterraneanEggs
- Zucchini Fritter Mediterranean Rice Bowls
- Sheet PanMediterraneanShrimp
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad
- Slow Cooker Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs
Easy Caprese Salad Recipe
Enjoy the taste of Italy with this simple and refreshing Easy Caprese Salad Recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes
- 12 oz. fresh mozzarella, large ball
- 1 large bunch fresh basil, washed and dried
- 3 T. really good extra virgin olive oil.
- 1 cup of balsamic vinegar
- sea salt and fresh-cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing and drying tomatoes and fresh basil. Slice the tomatoes into uniform pieces, about ¼” thick, and do the same with the fresh mozzarella.
- Assemble the caprese salad by layering tomato slices, mozzarella, and large basil leaves on each plate, repeating until you've used 1 tomato and approximately 3 oz. of mozzarella per serving. Finish with a final tomato slice and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- For the balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until reduced to about 1/3 of its volume, stirring constantly, then let it cool before generously drizzling it over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
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