This Caprese Salad recipe is a celebration of summer in every bite—bright, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic drizzle all come together in minutes. Perfectly refreshing and incredibly easy, Caprese Salad adds Italian charm to any meal or gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursts with Fresh Flavor: Every ingredient in this Caprese Salad shines, from sweet cherry tomatoes to fragrant basil—it tastes just like summer!
- Incredibly Quick & Easy: The entire recipe comes together in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or busy weeknights.
- Beautiful & Effortless Presentation: The vibrant colors of this salad make your table look as inviting as your favorite trattoria—no fancy skills required.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it as a starter, side, or main—Caprese Salad fits in anywhere and appeals to all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Caprese Salad truly magical is its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for its freshness, flavor, and color. Don’t be tempted to swap or skimp; every component plays a starring role!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Choose the ripest, juiciest ones you can find—their natural sweetness and pop of red color make the salad irresistible.
- Olive Oil: Use quality extra-virgin olive oil for a rich, peppery undertone that ties all the flavors together.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A splash adds brightness and a hint of tang; look for aged balsamic if you want extra depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch of each enhances the flavors and ties everything together—don’t skip the seasoning!
- Dried Oregano or Thyme: Adds earthy, herbaceous notes that complement the fresh basil wonderfully.
- Fresh Basil: Nothing beats the aroma and flavor of hand-torn fresh basil—don’t substitute with dried here!
- Mozzarella Balls: Creamy, bite-sized mozzarella “ciliegine” make every bite a delight; you can use large mozzarella cut into cubes if preferred.
- Balsamic Glaze: The finishing touch! A syrupy drizzle brings everything together with a touch of sweetness and shine.
Variations
The beauty of Caprese Salad is how easy it is to tweak—whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or simply using what’s in your fridge, it’s endlessly adaptable and fun to make your own.
- Swap the Mozzarella: Try creamy burrata cheese or vegan mozzarella for an equally dreamy texture and rich flavor.
- Add a Greens Base: Serve the salad piled over peppery arugula or baby spinach to make it more filling and perfect for lunch.
- Roasted Veggie Boost: Toss in roasted bell peppers or grilled zucchini for a heartier salad with extra color.
- Fruit Twist: Add juicy slices of ripe peaches or strawberries for a sweet-savory spin everyone will rave about!
How to Make Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prep the veggies and cheese
Start by slicing your cherry tomatoes in half—this releases their juices for even more flavor and helps them mingle perfectly with every bite. Drain any extra liquid from your mozzarella balls, and if they’re large, cut them into bite-sized pieces. Chop your fresh basil just before assembling to keep all that garden aroma locked in.
Step 2: Whisk up the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. This simple mix is what brings all the flavors together—don’t be shy about swirling until it’s glossy and well combined.
Step 3: Combine and toss gently
Place the tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh chopped basil in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything until it’s just coated, being careful not to squish the mozzarella. If you have time, let it chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes—this helps all those wonderful flavors mingle.
Step 4: Taste and finish
Give your Caprese Salad a final taste—add more basil, a pinch of salt, or a grind of black pepper as needed. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a glossy, tangy finish that makes every forkful swoon-worthy.
Pro Tips for Making Caprese Salad
- Room Temperature Matters: For the juiciest flavor, let your tomatoes and mozzarella sit at room temperature before assembling the salad.
- Hand-Torn Basil Best: Gently tearing instead of chopping basil leaves brings out their essential oils for even more aroma.
- Don’t Overdress: Toss the salad lightly with just enough dressing to coat—too much can drown those beautifully fresh ingredients.
- Use Quality Cheese: Fresh, high-quality mozzarella makes all the difference—skip the pre-shredded bags for a truly authentic Caprese Salad.
How to Serve Caprese Salad
Garnishes
A finishing touch of flaky sea salt, a few extra basil leaves, or a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving makes your Caprese Salad look—and taste—absolutely stunning. For added sparkle, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or lemon zest gives a lovely twist!
Side Dishes
Caprese Salad pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette for soaking up the dressing, or nestle it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a light Mediterranean meal. It’s also right at home next to pasta dishes or pizza for the ultimate Italian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on toothpicks for fun Caprese Salad bites at your next party. Or layer everything on a platter in vibrant stripes for a show-stopping centerpiece—it’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Caprese Salad (lucky you!), cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The tomatoes may release more juice, so give a gentle toss and maybe add a pinch of salt or fresh basil before serving again.
Freezing
Caprese Salad is all about fresh flavors and textures, so it doesn’t freeze well—both tomatoes and mozzarella will become watery and lose their charm. It’s best enjoyed freshly made or after a short chill.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Caprese Salad! Take it straight from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
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Can I use sliced large tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Sliced vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes work beautifully in Caprese Salad. Just be sure to use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find and layer them attractively with mozzarella and basil leaves.
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Is it possible to make Caprese Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the tomatoes, cheese, and basil a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge. Wait to toss with dressing and add the glaze until just before serving for the freshest results.
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How do I make a vegan Caprese Salad?
Simply swap the mozzarella balls with a plant-based mozzarella alternative or slices of ripe avocado. You’ll still get all the bright, herby, and tangy flavors of the classic Caprese Salad!
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What kind of balsamic glaze should I use?
Store-bought balsamic glaze is convenient and delicious, but you can also make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey until it thickens. Either version gives that lovely, sweet-savory finish to your salad.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is gorgeous, this Caprese Salad should be at the top of your list. I can’t wait for you to taste just how vibrant, fresh, and simple something so classic can be—bring it to your table and enjoy every bite with friends, family, or all to yourself!
Print
Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
Description
A delightful Caprese Salad recipe that combines fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil, tossed in a flavorful dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
For the Dressing:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
For Serving:
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil in a large bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and herbs in a small bowl.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Adjust Seasoning: Season with more basil, salt, and pepper as needed. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- To make it a meal, serve over a bed of arugula or power greens with grilled chicken or steak.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
