Nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a Caprese salad. This Italian favourite, with its vibrant layers of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, is a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Perfect as a light appetizer, side dish, or even a standalone meal, this Caprese salad recipe is quick to assemble and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet patio lunch, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.
Why This Caprese Salad Shines
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Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: Just a few ingredients create a stunning, restaurant-worthy dish.
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Seasonal Star: Summer’s juicy tomatoes and fresh basil are the heart of this salad.
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Versatile: Pair it with grilled meats, crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own for a refreshing bite.
Caprese Salad Recipe
This recipe serves 4 and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy summer days or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
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3–4 ripe tomatoes (heirloom or Roma work well), sliced 1 cm thick
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1 ball fresh mozzarella (about 250 g), sliced 1 cm thick
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12–15 fresh basil leaves
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar)
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1/4 tsp sea salt
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1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: A pinch of flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
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Prep Ingredients: Wash and dry tomatoes and basil. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds for a beautiful presentation.
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Assemble Salad: On a large platter, alternate layers of tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves, slightly overlapping for a classic look.
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Season: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
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Add Finishing Touch: If desired, add a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra texture and flavour.
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Serve: Enjoy immediately with crusty bread or as a side to your favourite summer dishes.
Tips for the Best Caprese
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Quality Matters: Use the ripest tomatoes and freshest mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella is a luxurious option).
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Room Temperature: Let ingredients sit out for 10 minutes before assembling to enhance flavours.
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Make It Your Own: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat or swap balsamic glaze for a pesto drizzle.
This Caprese salad is a timeless dish that brings summer’s bounty to life with every bite. Its simplicity and elegance make it a go-to for any occasion. Explore high-quality cutting boards to slice your tomatoes and mozzarella with ease, ensuring a perfect presentation every time.