Caprese Salad
Updated Aug 18, 2025
Simple Caprese salad recipe with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and finished off with salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic.
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The simplest Tomato and MOZZARELLA Salad
When tomatoes are in season, I make Caprese salad on repeat. It’s quick to throw together, and I can eat it straight off the plate for lunch or pile it on bread when I want something a little more filling. I probably make it a few times a week in the summer because it’s just that easy.
Whenever I need a quick appetizer or side dish, especially when I have guests over and serving an Italian meal with Lasagna or Pasta Bolognese, this Caprese salad is on the table right next to it.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Caprese Salad Ingredients
- Tomatoes: Plum tomatoes are my favorite, but any ripe mid-size tomato will work.
- Mozzarella: I think buffalo mozzarella is the best (and the richest), but all kinds of mozzarella are great for this caprese salad.
- Basil: Go for fresh basil leaves and leave them whole – no need to chop them.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste! I love sea salt and coarse black pepper here.
- Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is always my favorite for a tomato caprese salad.
How to Make Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ripe tomatoes sliced ¼-inch thickness
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced ¼-inch thickness
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- Sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella slices on a large serving platter, alternating between them. Tuck the basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices, and sprinkle more on top.
- Season the tomatoes and mozzarella slices with salt and black pepper to taste and then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top. Enjoy immediately.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Video Tutorial
Recipe Tips
- Slice your tomatoes and mozzarella evenly. I like to have a taste of everything in each bite of this caprese salad, so cutting the ingredients evenly helps make sure everything is well-proportioned! Plus it looks prettier.
- Use room temperature tomatoes. Warm tomatoes are so much more flavorful than those that come straight out of the fridge! I like to take mine out out at least an hour before beginning this recipe.
- Use small basil leaves. The flavor is more intense!
- Assemble before you serve. Sometimes the tomatoes can release too much water and sometimes the olive oil and balsamic get messy and runny as they sit, so I find it best to put the caprese together right before eating. It takes about 5 minutes to assemble.
Comments
Iโm obsessed with this recipe!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much!!