Caprese salad
A burst of Italian warmth in every bite, this Caprese salad recipe combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil for a truly delightful experience. Lightly dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, it makes the perfect starter or side dish full of fresh and bright flavours.
Ingredients
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4 - 6
Large, ripe tomatoes
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2
Balls of fresh mozzarella (250-300 g)
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2
Large handfuls of fresh basil
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4 - 5 tbsp
Good-quality olive oil
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Sea Salt Flakes
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Freshly ground black pepper
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½
Lemon, juice
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Balsamic glaze (optional)
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices carefully for a visually striking presentation. On a rectangular platter, alternate them in neat columns; on a round plate, create a spiral or circular pattern. Make sure each slice of tomato and cheese is visible to showcase the salad’s vibrant colours.
Caprese salad tastes best at room temperature. Cold tomatoes lose some of their natural sweetness, and chilled mozzarella can become firm and less creamy, whereas basil leaves may wilt and darken in the fridge. Take the mozzarella out 30-60 minutes before serving and let the tomatoes warm naturally at room temperature.
With such simple ingredients, the quality of your tomatoes makes all the difference. Look for ripe, fragrant tomatoes with a firm but slightly yielding texture. Varieties like vine-ripened, heirloom, or Campari tomatoes have rich flavour and juiciness that enhance the salad. Avoid watery or bland tomatoes – they will dilute the flavours of the cheese and basil.
FAQ: Questions about caprese salad
Want to make a classic Caprese salad that is fresh and flavoursome every time? Our FAQ answers common questions that will make you the star cook of the kitchen.
What is a caprese salad?
Caprese salad is a simple Italian dish of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, usually arranged in layers and dressed with olive oil. Optional touches include lemon juice, balsamic glaze, sea salt, and black pepper. It highlights seasonal produce and requires no cooking, making it a quick, elegant starter or side dish.
What type of mozzarella should I use in a caprese salad?
Use fresh mozzarella, such as fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella. Fior di latte is cow’s milk-based, firm yet creamy, while buffalo mozzarella is softer and richer with a delicate tang. Cut into slices of ½-1 cm to maintain their shape and complement the tomatoes and basil without overpowering them. Avoid low-moisture mozzarella, which can be too dry or salty.
Which tomatoes are best for caprese salad?
Heirloom tomatoes are ideal for Caprese salad, offering firm texture, vivid colours, and bold flavour. Varieties like Cherokee Purple or San Marzano work well. Vine-ripened or garden slicing tomatoes are good substitutes if heirlooms are not available. Avoid watery varieties, such as beefsteaks, which can make the salad soggy.
Can I make a caprese salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time, so it is easy to take out and serve when you are ready. Slice and arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella up to 4 hours before serving, patting them dry to reduce moisture. Cover with clingfilm and keep refrigerated. Add basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper just 30-60 minutes before serving or immediately before to maintain freshness and texture.
How long does a caprese salad last in the fridge?
Caprese salad keeps in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge, but it is best eaten fresh. Over time, tomatoes can lose flavour, mozzarella may soften, and the salad can become watery. For optimal flavour, store all ingredients separately and assemble just before eating. Do not freeze as neither tomatoes nor mozzarella cheese freezes well.
What to serve with caprese salad?
Serve your Caprese salad with lightly grilled chicken or fish, or pair it with something more substantial, for example, a steak. Crusty bread, garlic bread, or crostini are ideal for mopping up the juices. It also pairs well with cold pasta dishes or a simple charcuterie board with prosciutto.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
251 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 3.1 g |
| Protein | 12 % | 7.4 g |
| Fat | 80.4 % | 22.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.6 % | 4.7 g |
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Classic caprese salad with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella
This Caprese salad celebrates the essence of Italy. It is a true classic, where juicy, ripe tomatoes burst with sweetness and creamy mozzarella adds a smooth, indulgent texture. Fresh basil leaves bring an outstanding green colour as well as a fragrant, herbal note, perfectly uniting the flavours.
A drizzle of high-quality olive oil lends a silky, peppery richness, and a splash of lemon juice adds a zesty lift. For added depth, a hint of balsamic glaze contributes a subtle sweetness that balances the salad. It is simple, quick, and delicious, perfect for showcasing seasonal produce in the most elegant way.
Dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic glaze
No Caprese salad without the simple dressing, which enhances each ingredient without overpowering it. High-quality ingredients are of the essence here to make the flavours pop and the simplicity of the fresh flavours shine through. In a flavourful union, olive oil coats the tomatoes and cheese, lemon juice brightens every bite, and balsamic glaze adds a hint of complexity.
Make this Italian tricolore salad for a starter or side
A Caprese salad is as versatile as it is beautiful, perfect for everything from relaxed family dinners to elegant gatherings. Serve it as a starter or a side on a table filled with other delicious recipes. Its vibrant colours, fresh aromas, and simple, sun-soaked flavours shine on their own, yet it also acts as the perfect companion to other Italian-inspired dishes.
For a truly Mediterranean spread, serve your Caprese alongside a classic Neapolitan pizza or a light Mediterranean pasta salad. It also pairs well with a simple Spaghetti aglio e olio, or this pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce. Each dish enhances the salad’s freshness, creating a balanced, flavourful meal that celebrates the best of Italian ingredients.
Adjust the recipe to your liking
The classic Caprese salad is a masterpiece in its own right, but it is also wonderfully adaptable. Try using different tomatoes, for example, cherry, heirloom, or perfectly ripe slicing tomatoes, in various colours for a fun visual twist. You can also swap the fresh mozzarella for creamy burrata or pearl bocconcini for an indulgent, soft-centred twist.
Add a little heat with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chilli-infused olive oil, or elevate the flavours while keeping the salad fresh and vibrant with a bit of freshly ground black pepper. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crunchy sea salt will bring extra texture and depth, while a drizzle of mint pesto can provide a fragrant, herbal lift.
