Caprese Salad

5.0 from 1 vote

If you are looking for a solid Caprese salad recipe to take to your summer BBQ, let this be the one. It’s so simple to make, the flavor just screams summer, and look – it’s so beautiful!

easy caprese salad

I guarantee you will have no leftovers with this one!

Why this recipe works

This easy recipe for Caprese salad works so well because it comes together in minutes. The tomatoes are SO juicy and flavorful during the end of summer, and when you pair it with creamy mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic, along with a topping of fresh basil leaves, you will feel like you’ve been transported to Italy – or at least a fancy Italian restaurant 😉

You could even add a drizzle of fresh pesto on top, if you like!

Just a short shopping list plus some pantry staples, and you’re ready to make this beauty. Speaking of that shopping list, let’s talk ingredients…

The Ingredients for Easy Caprese Salad

ingredients for easy caprese salad

I made my Caprese salad with heirloom tomatoes. They were available at my local Whole Foods and are all over the farmer’s markets, so you know their flavor is peak right now, and they look stunning on a plate – with minimal effort.

Here is what you’ll need to make this Caprese salad with fresh basil:

  • heirloom tomatoes
  • mozzarella cheese
  • fresh basil leaves
  • drizzles & toppings: olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze), salt, pepper

That’s it!

How to Make this Caprese Salad

This quick Caprese salad is one of the easiest recipes to make, so you’re welcome 🙂 To make it, you’ll simply slice your tomatoes and mozzarella, preferably around the same thickness:

thick slices of tomato and mozzarella

Then layer the tomatoes on a large platter, and top with the mozzarella slices:

tomatoes layered with fresh mozzarella arranged on a platter

Next, add the salt and pepper. Then you drizzle the olive oil, followed by the balsamic:

drizzling balsamic glaze on a caprese salad

Top with fresh basil, and you’re done!

This is an instant table centerpiece and a crowd-pleaser at your next party. And it’s so simple!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Answer: Yes, just make sure you use large tomatoes that you can slice into thick rounds, such as beefsteak. Alternatively, you can use smaller cherry or grape tomatoes, and purchase the small mozzarella balls (often called bocconcini).

Question: Can I use regular balsamic vinegar if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

Answer: Absolutely! I use the glaze sometimes because it’s a bit thicker and I like the way it looks in pictures 🙂 But you can use regular balsamic as well! Just a drizzle for flavor will do.

closeup of Caprese salad

If you’re looking for more delicious summer recipes, try my Easy Halloumi Cheese Salad, my Chilled Cucumber Soup, or my Paleo Summer Slaw. And if you make this recipe, come back and tell me how you liked it in the comments!

Caprese Salad

Recipe by Alessandra Macaluso
5.0 from 1 vote
Difficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 3 large heirloom tomatoes (or other large tomatoes, like beefsteak)

  • 2 8 oz. packages fresh mozzarella

  • 1/4 tsp. salt

  • 1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper

  • drizzle extra virgin olive oil

  • drizzle balsamic glaze, or balsamic vinegar (see note)

  • small handful fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

  • Slice your tomatoes and your fresh mozzarella into thick rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Arrange a layer of tomatoes on a large platter, then top with a layer of the fresh mozzarella. Don’t worry if they don’t all fit – just layer them any way you can, and it will still look pretty.
  • Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the tomatoes and mozzarella, followed by a drizzle of olive oil and then the balsamic. Top with fresh basil leaves. Serve, and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use regular balsamic vinegar for this recipe and it will taste the same. I like the balsamic glaze simply because it’s slightly thicker and I like the way it looks in photographs 🙂

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Nonna Pia's Classic Balsamic Glaze

Alessandra Macaluso is the author of What a Good Eater! , Lucy the Bee and the Healing Honey, and The Real-Deal Bridal Bible. She’s also a Qigong and Tai Chi instructor, and overall wellness advocate. Her work has been featured in several anthologies which can all be found on her Amazon author page, and she has contributed to The Huffington Post, Scary Mommy, TODAY Parents, and many other online publications.

Alessandra is a northerner-turned-southerner, enjoying the south with her children, Penelope and Ciro, and her husband, Greg.

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