Caprese Salad is an easy, classic Italian salad. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil are so beautiful on a platter and you will love the Homemade Balsamic Glaze.

Caprese salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze on white platter

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Watch the Caprese Salad Video:

There’s a reason why everyone is obsessed with “Caprese” everything, even Caprese Skewers! It’s fresh, healthy, flavorful, and perfect as a light summer lunch. Watch the video to see how we make this super easy Caprese Salad. Get the print-friendly recipe for the Balsamic Glaze Here.

Just like our popular Cucumber Tomato Salad, this Caprese Salad should be on the regular rotation during tomato season when tomatoes are at their peak in flavor and texture. Sometimes the simplest salad recipes are the best!

What is Caprese Salad?

“Insalata Caprese” literally means “the salad of Capri” which is an Italian island. Caprese salad is typically made by layering slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, then seasoned to perfection, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sometimes a balsamic glaze.

Fun fact: the colors of a Caprese salad match the Italian flag which is green, white and red.

Ingredients to make salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze

How to Make Caprese Salad:

  1. Start by layering slices of tomatoes on a serving platter. Tuck slices of cheese between each tomato so both are visible then tuck whole basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes. Arrange the slices so you can see every layer.
  2. Season 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.

Serving Tip: Caprese salad is so beautiful when served on a platter. Arrange all of your salad ingredients then just before serving, drizzle with salt, pepper and balsamic (or extra virgin olive oil). Adding the salt too early will make your tomatoes release extra juice.

How to make a caprese salad in layers on a platter with balsamic reduction

Can I Omit the Balsamic Glaze?

During the summer months when tomatoes (especially heirloom tomatoes) are at their peak in taste, you can omit the balsamic glaze and season with only salt, pepper, and a good extra virgin olive oil.

The salad was traditionally made without a balsamic glaze but it adds wonderful tangy-sweet flavor and a little goes a long way. It is especially handy when tomatoes are out of season.

Balsamic Glaze on caprese salad

Can I Substitute the Fresh Mozzarella?

Fresh Mozzarella is classic to this salad. A close second option would be burrata which is creamy and mild in flavor. I would NOT recommend using low moisture or part-skim mozzarella cheese due to its tougher texture and saltier flavor.

Caprese salad portion on a plate with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and drizzled with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil

More Fresh Tomato Recipes:

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

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Caprese Salad Recipe

4.99 from 69 votes
Caprese salad assembled on white platter drizzled with balsamic glaze
Caprese Salad is an easy classic Italian recipe. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best! The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil are a winning combination and you will love the excellent homemade Balsamic Glaze.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people as a side salad
  • 1 1/2 lbs Ripe tomatoes, (3-4 medium) sliced 1/4” thick
  • 12-16 oz Fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4” thick
  • 1 bunch Fresh basil, (1/3 cup basil leaves)
  • 3 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 Tbsp Balsamic glaze, or added to taste (optional)

Instructions

  • Start by layering slices of tomatoes on a serving platter. Tuck slices of cheese between each tomato so both are visible then tuck whole basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes. Arrange the slices so you can see every layer.
  • Season 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.

Nutrition Per Serving

261kcal Calories8g Carbs14g Protein20g Fat8g Saturated Fat45mg Cholesterol555mg Sodium312mg Potassium1g Fiber5g Sugar1398IU Vitamin A16mg Vitamin C300mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Caprese Salad Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
261
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
20
g
31
%
Saturated Fat
 
8
g
50
%
Cholesterol
 
45
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
555
mg
24
%
Potassium
 
312
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
1398
IU
28
%
Vitamin C
 
16
mg
19
%
Calcium
 
300
mg
30
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: caprese salad
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 261

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • liz sebestyen
    June 7, 2023

    Your recipes are great. However, in order to follow the recipe instructions, it’s a constant fight with all sorts of ads. So disappointing. I’m so sorry but I can’t continue watching you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 7, 2023

      Hi Liz, Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback. The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site, so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. But we will definitely take note of your feedback and use it to improve our website.

      I appreciate your feedback, and I hope you love every recipe you try.

      Reply

  • Cindy S.
    February 19, 2023

    Hi Natasha,
    Made your caprese salad with balsamic glaze (I added the optional honey to the glaze). My husband and I really enjoyed it! It’s a keeper. Matter of fact, we’re having it again tonight!
    Thanks, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 19, 2023

      Very nice and enjoy it again!

      Reply

  • Brenda Kichurchak
    August 30, 2022

    Can this be refrigerated for a couple hours We’re having company in a couple hours. Brenda

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 30, 2022

      Hi Brenda, we prefer this recipe fresh and haven’t tried making it ahead yet.

      Reply

  • Lisa R
    August 19, 2022

    Natasha, is this a recipe that can be made the night before and refrigerated?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 19, 2022

      Hi Lisa, we prefer it best fresh.

      Reply

  • Shirley
    June 30, 2022

    Loved this salad so delicious
    Balsamic dressing got a little to thick so I added more Balsamic.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 30, 2022

      Glad you enjoyed it, Shirley.

      Reply

  • Mary Lynn
    June 6, 2022

    thinking of chopping some arugula on top also what do you think?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 6, 2022

      Hi! I think that would go great! 🙂

      Reply

  • Penny
    March 17, 2022

    I have been thinking and praying for you and your family as the events in the Ukraine unfold. Reading your blog and using your recipes have been a real blessing over the years. We have a sovereign Lord.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 17, 2022

      You’re so kind! Thank you so much for your prayers, Penny! Blessings to you!

      Reply

  • Staci Sedlacek
    July 25, 2021

    A completely delicious salad! Will definitely become a staple in my kitchen!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 26, 2021

      Thank you so much, glad you loved it!

      Reply

  • KH
    April 30, 2021

    It’s so delicious! I use fresh peaches slice them up in replace of tomatoes… so delicious!!!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 30, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, KH!

      Reply

  • Ken
    April 26, 2021

    Had one at a relative’s in Italy. Only difference was very thinly cut sweet onion.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 26, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Ken!

      Reply

  • Linda Mcdougal
    March 7, 2021

    This was better than any restaurant Caprese salad I’ve had. The homemade Balsamic dressing was the star of the salad. Don’t be stingy-use plenty of it. The only thing I did different was I chopped the basil. Too much was a little over powering- takes away from the balsamic glaze. This was perfect!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 7, 2021

      Thank you for your good comments and feedback, Linda. We appreciate you sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Araceli jasso
    January 24, 2021

    This salad is super easy and super delicious

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 24, 2021

      Thank you for your good feedback, Araceli!

      Reply

  • TJK
    September 13, 2020

    Try adding slices of grilled eggplant. AMAZING!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 13, 2020

      Great suggestion! Thank you for sharing that with us.

      Reply

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