Traditional Caprese Salad

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a dish that sings with the freshness of summer? This Traditional Caprese Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the best of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It's perfect for a light lunch or a stunning appetizer.

Ingredients for Traditional Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella: This is the creamy heart of the salad. Its mild taste complements the vivid flavors of the other ingredients. Choose high-quality mozzarella for best results.

Ripe tomatoes: Tomatoes bring a sweet, juicy burst to each bite. Look for tomatoes that are firm yet yielding with a rich color, indicating ripeness.

Fresh basil leaves: Basil adds a peppery, aromatic punch that ties everything together. Freshness is key here, as wilting basil can dampen the dish’s vibrancy.

Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the salad’s flavors with its fruity and slightly peppery notes.

Balsamic reduction: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the mozzarella.

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of the salad. Opt for sea salt for its subtle mineral flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients. Cold mozzarella can be less flavorful, and tomatoes are best when they're not chilled.
  • If your tomatoes are extra juicy, a slight sprinkle of salt before assembling can help draw out excess moisture.
  • Buy balsamic reduction or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.

Serving Suggestions

This Caprese Salad pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or fresh focaccia. It’s also wonderful alongside a grilled chicken breast or a light pasta dish. For a refreshing twist, serve with a chilled glass of white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is crucial for the authentic flavor of a Caprese Salad. Dried basil won’t provide the same aroma or texture.
What's the best type of mozzarella to use?
Buffalo mozzarella is a great choice for its rich, creamy texture, but any high-quality fresh mozzarella will work well.

Traditional Caprese Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by slicing your mozzarella and tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds. You want them to be uniform in size for even layering and presentation.

On a platter, start arranging the slices. Alternate between a slice of tomato and a slice of mozzarella. This creates a visually appealing pattern and ensures every bite has a bit of both.

Next, take your fresh basil leaves and tuck them in between the slices of tomato and mozzarella. You’re looking for a nice distribution here, so every piece gets a touch of basil.

Drizzle the entire salad with extra virgin olive oil, trying to cover the ingredients evenly. This will help meld the flavors together.

Follow up with a gentle drizzle of balsamic reduction. You don’t need much—just enough to add a hint of sweetness and complexity.

Finish by sprinkling the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the full burst of fresh flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Celebrates the flavors of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • No cooking required — enjoy the simplicity of raw ingredients.
  • Beautiful presentation with minimal effort.

Ingredients

8 oz fresh mozzarella
3 ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic reduction
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between each.
3. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
4. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
5. Add a balsamic reduction drizzle for sweetness and depth of flavor.
6. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately for best flavor.

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