Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is a vibrant and easy Italian salad, and one of my favorite summer salads. This classic Caprese recipe has layers of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil, finished with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s stunning on a platter and so fresh and flavorful.

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“Insalata Caprese” means “salad of Capri,” named after the Italian island of Capri. It’s traditionally made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, then seasoned with salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Some versions also include a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Just like my popular Cucumber Tomato Salad and Panzanella Salad, this Caprese Salad is on my regular menu rotation during tomato season when tomatoes are at their peak in flavor and texture.

Caprese Salad Ingredients

The ingredients for Traditional Caprese Salad are simple. For the best flavor, let the tomatoes and mozzarella sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Cold tomatoes can taste muted, and room-temperature mozzarella has a softer, creamier texture.

• Best Tomatoes for Caprese Salad – In-season summer tomatoes taste best. Beefsteak, heirloom, Roma, Campari, cherry tomatoes, or colorful garden tomatoes all work well. Choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm. Avoid very soft or overripe tomatoes, which can get watery and mushy once salted. For a fun summer variation, add sliced peaches or use a mix of tomatoes and peaches.
• Cheese – Fresh whole milk mozzarella is traditional. I like pre-sliced mozzarella for easy assembly. You can also use mini mozzarella balls, called bocconcini, or burrata, like in my Tomato Burrata Salad. For a dairy-free variation, use sliced avocado.
• Basil – Fresh basil leaves are key to classic Caprese. Genovese basil is a great choice because the leaves are large and tender. If basil isn’t available, baby arugula or mint can work, but the flavor will be different.
• Balsamic Glaze (Balsamic reduction) – Optional, but delicious. Use Homemade Balsamic Glaze or store-bought. For a more classic Caprese salad, skip the glaze and finish with just extra virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
• Extra virgin olive oil – this is the easiest way to add a layer of flavor. Use the highest quality oil you can get your hands on. It really makes a difference!
• Salt and Pepper – use a flaky sea salt such as Maldon (my favorite!), for a bit of crunch, or a kosher salt, plus freshly cracked black pepper. Salt really amplifies the flavor of tomatoes.

How to Make Caprese Salad

• Start by layering slices of tomatoes on a serving platter. Tuck slices of mozzarella between the tomatoes so both are visible, then tuck whole basil leaves between the layers. Arrange the slices slightly overlapping so every layer shows.
• Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil, and drizzle with 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze or add it to taste. Once the salad is dressed, enjoy it right away.

Make-Ahead Tips for Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a stunner, but it looks and tastes best shortly after it’s dressed. Salt and dressing will draw moisture from the tomatoes, so wait to season until just before serving.

• Prep and Arrange – Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, pat them dry with paper towels, and arrange them on a platter up to 4 hours ahead. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Store the basil separately so it stays fresh and doesn’t darken.
• Dress and Serve – Let the platter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Just before serving, add the basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Once dressed, Caprese salad is best enjoyed within 30-60 minutes.

What to Serve with Caprese Salad

In the summer months when the tomatoes are plentiful and so delicious, I’ll make this salad for lunch, and it’s super satisfying on its own since it has some protein from the cheese, but if you want some easy pairing options, these dishes pair perfectly with Caprese Salad:

• Main Dishes – Tuscan Chicken, Chicken Pesto Roll Ups, Pan-Seared Cod, Grilled Shrimp Skewers or Shrimp Scampi
• Breads – Serve over toast on Focaccia Bread, or Sourdough Bread
• Pasta and Italian-Inspired Mains – Lasagna, Risotto, or buttered Homemade Pasta

More Recipes with Fresh Tomatoes

These tomato recipes will help you get the most out of sweet summer tomatoes.

• Tomato Mozzarella Salad Recipe
• Pico De Gallo
• Marinated Tomatoes
• Bruschetta
• Roasted Tomato Salsa
• Tomato Goat Cheese Crostini
• Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Greek Cobb Salad