Tomato And Mozzarella Salad

Caprese salad is an iconic Italian salad that originated on the island of Capri and is especially popular in the summer – when tomatoes are at their ripest! Caprese salad is ‘insalata caprese’ in Italian. The word Caprese literally translates to ‘from Capri.’ So, what is in a caprese salad? Traditionally, this beauty consists of just a few fresh ingredients: ripe tomato, mozzarella, basil, sea salt, and olive oil. That’s it! Just like margarita pizza, the Caprese salad recipe is believed to have been inspired by the Italian flag—basil for green, mozzarella for white, and red for tomato.

How to make tomato mozzarella salad

Making a mozzarella tomato basil salad is simple – this is how it’s done: Staying true to Italian cuisine, a caprese salad is made from a just handful of simple yet quality ingredients – so that means the best caprese salad starts with the best ingredients. In a recipe like this, with such a simple ingredient list, quality is key. Here are the five ingredients you need for an authentic tomato mozzarella basil salad:

While these five ingredients are authentic to a true Caprese salad, you will often find a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor, or other delicious variations. I’ve got more suggestions for you below!

How to serve mozzarella tomato basil salad

I love serving a mozzarella tomato basil salad when entertaining, as it has such pretty visual appeal – plus, it’s fun to put together!This is how to serve Caprese salad: Layer the three base ingredients, mozzarella, tomato, and basil, one at a time. Begin by placing a mozzarella round down, then slightly overlap it with a tomato slice. Place it on top but slightly to the side so it’s leaning on the mozzarella. Next, add a fresh basil leaf, then repeat this process again: mozzarella, tomato, basil, mozzarella, tomato basil, until you’ve finished plating everything. Finally, finish it off with a drizzle of your favorite olive oil and balsamic glaze, if using, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so all the flavors meld together—Bellissimo!

What to serve with Caprese salad

Caprese salad is refreshing and not too heavy, so it works well for a lighter lunch on it’s own – but it’s also a great way to round out heavier meals, too. I like serving it as a light touch with Italian mains, like beside my easy lasagna or eggplant involtini. It’s also great with proteins, from lemon pepper fish, to my balsamic chicken, to porchetta. Five tips for an unforgettable Caprese salad:

Cheese swap: Try burrata cheese instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture. Balsamic: Perhaps the most widely accepted variation on a traditional Caprese salad recipe is the addition of a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Use a balsamic dressing or balsamic reduction. Get fruity: Sliced peaches, strawberries, or plums all taste great in a Caprese salad, adding sweetness. Tang: A splash of sherry vinegar or some capers can add delicious tang. Skewers: Make Caprese skewers by threading tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto toothpicks or small skewers for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Black pepper: A generous grind of fresh black pepper can enhance the flavors and add a subtle kick. Vegan caprese salad: Use avocado slices in place of the cheese to make a vegan caprese salad. Pesto: Whip up a mint pesto or easy basil pesto and spoon some over your tomato basil mozzarella salad. Crunch: Sprinkle some pine nuts over top for a satisfying crunch. Olives: Toss in some Kalamata or green olives for a briny addition. Garlic: Rub a cut clove of garlic on the serving plate before arranging your salad, or add thin slices of fresh garlic for an extra burst of flavor. Other dishes: If you just adore these flavors and want to enjoy them in other forms, make my Caprese pesto pasta or Caprese pizza!

I also LOVE serving this beside my prosciutto wrapped peaches for the ultimate appetizer duo when entertaining!

Storing mozzarella tomato basil salad

Caprese salad is best enjoyed when it’s fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, you can keep them fresher by transferring them to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge, and enjoy your leftovers within 1-2 days. The first thing to go is the basil, the leaves wilt quickly, so you can also add fresh ones before serving. The tomatoes may become watery, so just drain the juice before eating if needed. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!