Quick and Easy Authentic Italian Caprese Salad

This juicy creamy Italian Caprese Salad is made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and ready in 10 minutes. The sweet juices of the tomatoes mix beautifully with the rich olive oil at the bottom of the plate. I make this every summer when my garden is overflowing.

Why This Classic Works

I used to overcomplicate this dish by adding too many heavy dressings. The secret is letting the quality of the core ingredients speak for themselves.

Using room temperature tomatoes instead of cold ones completely changed the flavor profile. It brings out their natural sweetness perfectly.

Italian Caprese Salad Ingredients

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

How To Make Italian Caprese Salad

1. Slice The Ingredients: Cut the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. Arrange The Platter: Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a large serving dish.
3. Add The Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices of tomato and cheese.
4. Season And Dress: Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper.

Recipe Tips

• Never refrigerate tomatoes: Cold temperatures ruin their texture and mute the flavor.
• Use the best oil: Extra virgin olive oil acts as a sauce here, so quality matters.
• Wait to salt: Only add salt right before serving to prevent the tomatoes from weeping too much liquid.

What To Serve With Caprese Salad

Serve this side with crusty ciabatta bread to soak up the leftover oil and tomato juices. It also pairs perfectly alongside grilled chicken or a simple pasta dish.

How To Store

This dish is best enjoyed immediately for the freshest texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Yes, just slice them in half and toss them with small mozzarella balls instead of layering.

Do I need balsamic vinegar?
Traditional recipes only use olive oil, but a sweet balsamic glaze is a popular modern addition.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best assembled right before eating, but you can slice the ingredients an hour early.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6g
• Protein: 14g

Try More Recipes:

• Easy Italian Spumoni Cake Recipe
• Italian Rainbow Cookie Cake
• Classic Italian Cream Pound Cake Recipe

Italian Caprese Salad

Recipe by Paula

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Total time

10

minutes

Italian Caprese Salad features juicy tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and sweet basil ready in just 10 minutes. This quick and simple classic is a great side for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced

• 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

Directions

• 1. Slice The Ingredients: Cut the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick slices.
• 2. Arrange The Platter: Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a large serving dish.
• 3. Add The Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices of tomato and cheese.
• 4. Season And Dress: Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper.