Caprese Salad – Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad
When summer gardens are bursting with tomatoes and farmers’ markets overflow with basil, there’s one recipe I crave on repeat: Caprese Salad. This simple yet stunning Italian salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic for a perfect balance of fresh and tangy flavors. It’s the kind of dish that looks elegant enough for entertaining but is simple enough for weeknight dinners.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Caprese Salad—its history, ingredient tips, variations, and serving ideas—so you can make it your signature summer recipe.
Caprese Salad is a simple fresh tomato salad recipe made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for a quick and easy side dish all summer long. During the summer we end up eating a lot of different foods that use fresh tomatoes. We have been eating salsa and tomatoes on burgers. But, my ultimate favorite, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with basil a lot this summer.
During the summer, we love grilled meat and cold side dishes. I don’t like heating up the kitchen unless it’s for cooking sweet corn. This is why we live on Caprese salad, also known as our fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad.
What Is Caprese Salad?
Caprese Salad (Insalata Caprese in Italian) is a traditional Italian dish made with just a handful of ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and usually olive oil or balsamic. The colors of the salad—red, white, and green—mirror the Italian flag, which is why many consider it a symbol of Italian pride and simplicity.
The salad is believed to have originated on the island of Capri in the early 20th century. Some food historians link it to the Futurist movement in Italy, which sought lighter, fresher meals that still felt bold and stylish. Today, it’s a staple in Italian cuisine and one of the most popular summer salads worldwide.
Caprese Salad Ingredients
This salad is so easy to make it is a simple fresh tomato salad made with just five ingredients.
Here’s what makes this salad shine. Always aim for the freshest possible ingredients—because with so few, quality really matters.
- Tomatoes: Cherry, grape, or sliced heirloom tomatoes all work. Look for ripe but firm fruit.
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini) are convenient, but a large ball sliced into rounds looks elegant. For extra indulgence, try burrata.
- Basil: Fresh is non-negotiable. Stack the leaves, roll them, and slice into ribbons (a chiffonade).
- Balsamic Vinegar or Glaze: Adds acidity and sweetness. Glaze is thicker and sweeter; vinegar is brighter and tangier.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Balances and enhances the flavors.
- Optional: Extra-virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, avocado, or prosciutto for variations.
How to Make Fresh Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Salad
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and slice them—halved if using cherry/grape or sliced into wedges for larger tomatoes.
- Slice the mozzarella: Drain and pat dry. Cut into even rounds or use pearls straight from the container.
- Slice the basil: Stack leaves, roll them up, and cut thin ribbons. This keeps the basil from bruising.
- Assemble: Layer tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter, tucking basil in between. For a rustic version, toss them together in a bowl.
- Dress & Season: Drizzle with balsamic (and olive oil if using), sprinkle salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Pro tip: Let the salad sit for 5 minutes before serving so the juices mingle into a natural dressing.
If you’re looking for the ultimate summer side dish, this Caprese Salad recipe is it. With just five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, you get bold, refreshing flavors that pair with everything from grilled steak to pasta.
It’s proof that when you use the best seasonal ingredients, you don’t need much else to create something extraordinary. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to summer salad year after year.
Tips for the Best Caprese Salad
- Use room temperature tomatoes for maximum sweetness. Cold tomatoes taste bland.
- Choose fresh mozzarella in water or brine, not the low-moisture shredded kind.
- Don’t overdo the balsamic—start with a drizzle and add more if needed.
- Slice basil just before serving to keep it green and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a restaurant-quality finish.
Variations You’ll Want to Try
Caprese Salad is endlessly adaptable. Try one of these spins:
- Burrata Caprese: Swap mozzarella with creamy burrata for a luxurious version.
- Caprese Pasta Salad: Toss the salad with cooked pasta for a hearty picnic dish.
- Avocado Caprese: Add creamy avocado chunks for extra richness.
- Grilled Caprese: Char slices of tomato on the grill before assembling.
- Caprese Skewers: Thread tomato, mozzarella, and basil onto toothpicks for appetizers.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to make it a full meal.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Leftovers
- Make Ahead: Slice tomatoes and mozzarella up to 1 day ahead, but store them separately. Assemble just before serving to keep basil fresh.
- Storage: Best eaten the day it’s made. If you must store, refrigerate leftovers for up to 24 hours.
- Leftovers Idea: Spoon over toasted bread for quick Caprese bruschetta.
What to Serve With Caprese Salad
This light salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, Italian-inspired main dishes, or summer sides. Some favorites from my kitchen:
Summer Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh basil is essential for true Caprese flavor. Dried basil won’t give the same aroma.
No—plain balsamic vinegar works fine. If you prefer sweeter, thicker dressing, use glaze.
Fresh mozzarella balls in water are the standard. For extra creaminess, use burrata.
Tomatoes release liquid when salted too early. Assemble just before serving to avoid this.
Caprese Salad – Fresh Tomatoes, Basil, and Mozzarella
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cherry tomatoes cut in half or two cups of diced tomatoes
- 1, 8- ounce ball of fresh mozzarella diced or fresh mozzarella pearls
- 4-5 basil leaves sliced
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Mix tomatoes, cheese, and basil together.
- Add balsamic vinegar one tablespoon at a time. Stir into tomato mixture. If more is not needed to coat everything, don’t add it.
- Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate till ready to serve.
Nutrition
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Yum! I can't wait for some fresh tomatoes this summer!
Oh yeah, can't go wrong with those ingredients…one of our summertime favorites.
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Looks awesome. I love fresh basil… and fresh tomatoes… and balsamic vinegar… Oh and mozzarella… Hmmm wonder if I'd like this? Lol
YUM! That looks really really good! Wish my tomatoes would have done better this year. Thank goodness for grocery stores!