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.
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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.
How to Make Caprese Salad:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
More Fresh Tomato Recipes:
These tomato recipes will help you get the most of sweet summer tomatoes.
- Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad – so fresh and easy
- Pico De Gallo – with the secret to authentic salsa
- Marinated Tomatoes – easy way to use a lot of tomatoes
- Canned Tomatoes – preserve those tomatoes for winter
- Roasted Tomato Salsa – we batch cook this and freeze
Caprese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 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
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Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
hi, I was wondering if the balsamic glaze will keep in the fridge and for how long
Hi Lori! I have a note on the blog post for that recipe, “ How to Store Balsamic Glaze:
Balsamic glaze keeps really well. Transfer to a mason jar or air-tight container, let cool to room temperature then refrigerate for 3 to 4 weeks.”
I’m sure this Caprese Salad is delicious; all your recipes are,my favorite being the Corn Chowder. Regarding this salad and other recipes that use fresh basil (like, pizza or soup), do you eat the basil?
Thank you.
Hello Jeanette! Thank you for your great comments and feedback. Yes, I do eat basil too, they’re super good!
All your recipies are amazing! When searching for a new recipie I almost always choose your’s!
Please keep sharing!
I’m so happy you love our recipes! Thank you so much for the fantastic review and your encouraging words, Camilla. I am smiling big reading your comment
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.
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.
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!
Very nice and enjoy it again!
Can this be refrigerated for a couple hours We’re having company in a couple hours. Brenda
Hi Brenda, we prefer this recipe fresh and haven’t tried making it ahead yet.
Natasha, is this a recipe that can be made the night before and refrigerated?
Hi Lisa, we prefer it best fresh.
Loved this salad so delicious
Balsamic dressing got a little to thick so I added more Balsamic.
Glad you enjoyed it, Shirley.
thinking of chopping some arugula on top also what do you think?
Hi! I think that would go great! 🙂
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.
You’re so kind! Thank you so much for your prayers, Penny! Blessings to you!
A completely delicious salad! Will definitely become a staple in my kitchen!!!
Thank you so much, glad you loved it!
It’s so delicious! I use fresh peaches slice them up in replace of tomatoes… so delicious!!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, KH!
Had one at a relative’s in Italy. Only difference was very thinly cut sweet onion.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Ken!
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!!!
Thank you for your good comments and feedback, Linda. We appreciate you sharing that with us!
This salad is super easy and super delicious
Thank you for your good feedback, Araceli!
Try adding slices of grilled eggplant. AMAZING!
Great suggestion! Thank you for sharing that with us.