Caprese Salad Recipe

There’s something magically simple about a classic Caprese Salad: juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and that irresistible drizzle of balsamic glaze. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or looking for an elegant starter, Caprese Salad delivers vibrant flavor—and instant Italian sunshine—on any plate!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Caprese Salad is all about high-quality, simple ingredients that work together in harmony. Each component shines—bringing its own color, texture, and flavor—so don’t skip or substitute if you want to experience Caprese in all its glory!

• Balsamic Vinegar: Reducing this pantry staple transforms it into a thick, tangy-sweet glaze that takes Caprese Salad to the next level.
• Ripe Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are firm yet juicy—heirloom, vine-ripened, or local farmers market finds are the star here!
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Go for the soft, milky mozzarella that’s sold packed in water for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: These add a fragrant herbal punch and that classic Caprese color contrast—don’t be shy with your basil!
• Olive Oil: A good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances everything with richness and helps the flavors mingle.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that wake up all the juicy, creamy, sharp, and sweet notes in this salad.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Caprese Salad is how easily you can give it your own spin. Whether you’re looking to accommodate certain dietary needs, or just want to tweak it to match your latest craving, here are a few fun ways to get creative!

• Peach Caprese: Swap a few of the tomato slices for ripe, juicy peaches for a sweet summer twist you’ll dream about later.
• Burrata Upgrade: Trade the mozzarella for soft, oozy burrata—the cream center adds an extra layer of decadence.
• Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on toothpicks for a perfect party appetizer.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use your favorite plant-based mozzarella alternative for a lactose-free option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

How to Make Caprese Salad

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze

Start by pouring the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bringing it to a gentle boil over medium-low heat. Let it simmer while you stir occasionally—it’ll slowly reduce and turn glossy, thick, and syrupy in 10 to 20 minutes. This step concentrates the flavor and really sets your Caprese Salad apart!

Step 2: Cool the Glaze

Once your balsamic reduction has thickened (it should coat the back of a spoon), remove it from the heat and transfer it into a bowl or serving cruet. Let it cool while you prep the rest—this helps the glaze set up beautifully for drizzling.

Step 3: Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Grab your ripest tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and slice them both into thick, even rounds. The thicker slices give each bite that classic Caprese Salad texture—meaty tomato, creamy cheese, and a generous bite of basil.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

On a serving platter, start layering the tomato and mozzarella slices, tucking whole basil leaves in between each one. This makes for a gorgeous pattern and ensures every bite offers that perfect flavor combo.

Step 5: Dress and Finish

Drizzle the salad liberally with olive oil, making sure every tomato and mozzarella medallion gets a little shine. Next, use a spoon to artfully zig-zag the cooled balsamic glaze over the top, or get fancy with a squeeze bottle. Finish with a big pinch of kosher salt and plenty of freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Caprese Salad

Garnishes

If you’re feeling a little extra, scatter some flaky sea salt over your Caprese Salad just before serving, or add a few grinds of lemon zest for brightness. For a peppery punch, a handful of baby arugula is delightful tucked in with the basil. And if you love crunch, sprinkle on toasted pine nuts for a subtle, nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

A fresh Caprese Salad pairs brilliantly with a warm, crusty baguette or slices of ciabatta to sop up all those juices. It’s equally at home next to grilled chicken, steak, or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic—think of it as a sunny sidekick to any Italian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow at your next gathering? Try arranging your Caprese Salad in a spiral on a round platter, or go vertical and stack the slices into colorful “towers.” For parties, serve mini Caprese bites on skewers or in small cups with a drizzle of glaze—each option is vibrant, charming, and truly irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Caprese Salad, gently transfer it to an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day—the tomatoes start to lose their texture after that—but it still makes a delicious snack or light lunch the next day!

Freezing

Caprese Salad really isn’t a freezer-friendly dish, since tomatoes and mozzarella both lose their lovely texture when frozen and thawed. Enjoy it fresh for that signature, mouthwatering bite every time.

Reheating

This salad is made to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If the balsamic glaze has thickened too much in the fridge, just let it sit out for a bit or warm slightly to loosen before drizzling again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing quite like the burst of summer you get from a vibrant plate of Caprese Salad. If you’ve never made it from scratch, you’re in for a treat—this is one of those dishes that tastes 100% as good as it looks. Give it a try, and let it transport you straight to a sunny Italian piazza!

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