Easy Caprese salad

Easy Caprese Salad: Fresh, Fast, and Full of Summer Flavor

Thank you so much for stopping by—if you’re craving something light, fresh, and so simple it almost makes itself, you’ve landed in the right spot. This easy Caprese salad is my go-to when tomatoes are bursting with flavor and basil is taking over the garden (or the grocery store shelf!). It’s a classic Italian favorite made with just a handful of ingredients—but oh, the flavor payoff is huge.

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What Is Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad (or Insalata Caprese) is an Italian salad made with slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Traditionally, it’s seasoned with salt and olive oil, though you’ll often find modern versions with balsamic glaze or a drizzle of pesto. It’s named after the island of Capri and showcases the colors of the Italian flag—red, white, and green. It’s a celebration of simplicity and ingredients at their peak!

Reasons to Love This Easy Caprese Salad

• No cooking required: Just slice and assemble!

• Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian

• Showcases seasonal ingredients beautifully

• Ready in under 10 minutes

• Perfect as a side, appetizer, or light lunch

What Does Caprese Salad Taste Like?

Fresh, juicy tomatoes are the star here—sweet, tangy, and summery. The mozzarella adds creamy richness, the basil a fragrant pop, and the olive oil ties it all together with a silky finish. Add a sprinkle of flaky salt and maybe a touch of balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a balanced, elegant bite that’s both light and deeply satisfying.

Benefits of Making Caprese Salad

• Incredibly quick and easy—no kitchen stress here!

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor

• Versatile—works as an appetizer, salad, or even a crostini topping

• Healthy and whole-food based

• Looks gorgeous on a platter

Ingredients

• 3–4 ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened are best)

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (preferably in large balls or logs)

• Fresh basil leaves (a good handful)

• Extra virgin olive oil (about 2–3 tablespoons)

• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife

• Cutting board

• Serving plate or platter

• Small spoon or squeeze bottle (for balsamic glaze)

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Cherry tomatoes: Use halved cherry or grape tomatoes for a mini Caprese!

• Burrata: Want to go extra creamy? Swap mozzarella for burrata.

• Pesto drizzle: Add a touch of basil pesto for a flavor boost.

• Avocado: Slices of avocado blend beautifully with the other textures.

• Balsamic vinegar: If you don’t have glaze, a splash of vinegar works great—just go light.

How to Make This Easy Caprese Salad (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them even for the best presentation.

Step 2: Layer on a Plate
On a serving platter or plate, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, slightly overlapping them. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between.

Step 3: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the top. Use the good stuff—it makes a difference!

Step 4: Season and (Optional) Drizzle
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze or a few drops of balsamic vinegar.

Step 5: Serve Fresh
Serve immediately, ideally at room temperature, when the tomatoes and cheese are at their most flavorful.

What to Serve with Caprese Salad

• Grilled chicken or steak

• Crusty baguette or garlic bread

• Pasta with olive oil or pesto

• Glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water

Caprese also makes a perfect part of an antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and marinated veggies!

Tips for the Best Caprese Salad

• Use the ripest tomatoes you can find—they make the salad.

• Let the mozzarella come to room temp before serving for best texture.

• Don’t skimp on the olive oil—this is a key ingredient!

• Serve immediately—this salad doesn’t keep well once assembled.

• Want to impress? Use a mix of heirloom tomato colors for a stunning presentation.

How to Store Caprese Salad

This salad is best served fresh, but if you must store leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

• Avoid freezing: The texture of the tomatoes and cheese won’t survive the cold.

• Re-season: If storing, be sure to re-season with a little olive oil and salt before serving again.

General Info About Caprese Salad

Caprese salad—Insalata Caprese in Italian—is a classic Italian dish that embodies the beauty of simplicity. With just a few fresh ingredients, it delivers a burst of flavor, color, and texture that feels elegant yet effortless. Named after the island of Capri, this salad represents the best of Italian cuisine: fresh, seasonal, and prepared with love.

A Symbol of Italian Pride

The traditional Caprese salad features red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil, mirroring the colors of the Italian flag. While it may look fancy, it’s actually a rustic dish meant to showcase the natural flavors of quality ingredients. It’s typically served as an antipasto (starter course), especially in Southern Italy where tomatoes and basil thrive in the summer sun.

Key Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe, and often heirloom for extra flavor and color

• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, creamy, and mild—buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) is considered the gold standard

• Basil: Aromatic and peppery, basil lifts the whole dish

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil brings everything together

• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances without overpowering

• Optional Balsamic Glaze: A sweet-tangy addition that’s popular in modern versions

Not Just a Summer Salad

While Caprese salad is most often associated with warm-weather dining, it can easily be adapted year-round. Use cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) in cooler months, or layer it on crostini as an appetizer for holiday parties. You can also add grilled peaches, avocados, or even prosciutto for a fun twist.

Nutritional Highlights

Caprese salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutrient-rich and naturally gluten-free. It offers:

• Protein and calcium from mozzarella

• Vitamins A and C from tomatoes and basil

• Healthy fats from olive oil

• Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in ripe tomatoes

It’s a light, wholesome option whether you’re serving it as a side, starter, or even a light lunch.

In short, Caprese salad is a shining example of how fresh, simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re hosting guests, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something refreshing, this Italian icon delivers every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Caprese salad ahead of time?
Sort of—slice everything ahead and store separately, but assemble and dress right before serving for best results.

What kind of mozzarella is best?
Use fresh mozzarella packed in water—not low-moisture blocks. Buffalo mozzarella or burrata are next-level!

Can I use dried basil?
I wouldn’t recommend it for this dish. Fresh basil is essential for the flavor and aroma.

Is balsamic glaze traditional?
Not strictly traditional, but a popular and delicious modern addition!

Conclusion

This easy Caprese salad is proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to create something breathtakingly delicious. It’s a celebration of freshness, simplicity, and seasonal eating—and the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again when you need a crowd-pleasing side, an elegant starter, or a solo lunch that feels just a little bit fancy.

If you’re into no-fuss recipes with big payoff, here are more you’ll love:

• Tomato Basil Bruschetta

• Peach Burrata Salad with Prosciutto

• Lemon Orzo Salad with Feta and Herbs

Share Your Caprese Creations!

I’d love to see your version! Snap a pic of your Caprese salad and tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below. Did you stick with the classic or add your own twist?

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~250

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 6g

• Protein: 10g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g

Easy Caprese salad

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together in this Easy Caprese Salad—ready in under 10 minutes for the perfect summer bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened are best)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (preferably in large balls or logs)
• Fresh basil leaves (a good handful)
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼-inch thick rounds. Try to keep them even for the best presentation.
2. On a serving platter or plate, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, slightly overlapping them. Tuck fresh basil leaves in between.
3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the top. Use the good stuff—it makes a difference!
4. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze or a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
5. Serve immediately, ideally at room temperature, when the tomatoes and cheese are at their most flavorful.

Notes

Use the ripest tomatoes you can find, serve the cheese at room temp, and don’t skimp on the olive oil! Assemble just before serving for best results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: caprese salad, tomato mozzarella salad, summer salad, easy salad, fresh basil