Save to Pinterest Caprese salad is my answer to warm days when I want something fresh vibrant and fast with no fuss. This recipe shines with ripe tomatoes creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil all brought together in under 10 minutes thanks to a simple balsamic drizzle.
My whole family feasts on this salad as soon as tomatoes appear at the farmers market and it disappears even faster once served
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: sliced in half to release their sweet juices choose ripe firm ones for best flavor
- Fresh mozzarella balls: creamy and mild they soak up the dressing use high moisture mozzarella for a smooth texture
- Fresh basil leaves: pick bright green leaves for the most aroma they elevate the salad
- Balsamic glaze: adds tangy sweetness and glossy finish look for a thick aged glaze or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil: for richness choose extra virgin oil with a fruity finish
- Salt and pepper: to heighten every flavor use flaky salt and cracked black pepper for texture
Instructions
- Arrange the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
- Scatter cherry tomato halves and mozzarella balls evenly on a large platter making sure the colors alternate for eye appeal
- Scatter the Basil Leaves
- Gently tear fresh basil leaves and layer them between the cheese and tomatoes tucking them in so every bite gets some herbal flavor
- Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
- Pour a thin stream of olive oil over everything then follow with a steady drizzle of balsamic glaze be generous so each bite is glossy and tangy
- Season the Salad
- Sprinkle flaky salt and lots of black pepper over the top this last touch makes all the ingredients sing
Save to Pinterest One of my favorite things about this salad is how pure the mozzarella tastes especially with garden tomatoes I remember making giant platters of this for picnics when my niece would steal all the basil before the rest of us could dig in
Storage Tips
Caprese salad tastes best fresh but you can prep the tomatoes and cheese ahead of time Keep them chilled and assemble with basil and dressing just before serving to retain freshness Basil wilts quickly in the fridge so always add last
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap cherry tomatoes for heirloom tomatoes sliced thick for a rustic look If you cannot find mozzarella balls slice a log of fresh mozzarella instead For balsamic glaze combine two tablespoons balsamic vinegar with a teaspoon of honey and simmer until thickened
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on toasted sourdough for a caprese bruschetta or layer it atop grilled chicken for added flavor It is especially refreshing served cold on a hot day alongside a chilled sparkling drink
Cultural Context
Caprese salad comes from the Isle of Capri where locals first paired their sun-ripe tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella Its colors—red white and green—mirror the Italian flag making it a patriotic choice for Italian gatherings
Seasonal Adaptations
Try swapping basil for mint in early spring In late summer use roasted tomatoes to deepen flavor Add grilled peaches or nectarines for a fruity sweet twist
Success Stories
Friends always ask for this recipe after tasting it at my summer parties and one neighbor now grows basil just for her own caprese salad platters This dish truly turns even simple weeknights into something special
Freezer Meal Conversion
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but you can freeze mozzarella balls in an airtight bag for up to three months Thaw overnight and let come to room temperature before assembling with fresh ingredients Please never freeze basil or tomatoes as their texture suffers
Save to Pinterest Serve this caprese salad right away for the best flavor and texture. Its simplicity lets real ingredients shine—one bite and summer is on your plate.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of mozzarella is best to use?
Fresh mozzarella balls are ideal as they offer a soft texture and mild flavor, perfectly complementing tomatoes.
- → Can heirloom tomatoes be used instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, thick slices of ripe heirloom tomatoes add a colorful and slightly sweeter twist.
- → Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?
Balsamic vinegar reduced to a syrupy consistency works well if balsamic glaze isn't available.
- → How far in advance can this dish be prepared?
It’s best assembled just before serving, but ingredients can be prepped a few hours ahead and stored separately.
- → What can be served alongside this dish?
Crusty bread, grilled chicken, or prosciutto pair well, turning it into a more complete meal.