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    Blog posts by Rosanna ETC » Food » Summer Recipes

    Balsamic Caprese Salad

    Published: Jun 21, 2021 · Modified: Dec 12, 2021 by Rosanna Stevens · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    A Caprese salad recipe is one of the simplest, most delicious summer recipes out there. It pairs mozzarella cheese with sweet juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. Tomato with cheese is one of the best food combinations and whether it's summer or winter, there are thousands of recipes to choose from.

    Italian food is often my go-to when I want something fast, fresh and delicious and if you're looking for light lunches, this Caprese Salad recipe is an excellent option. It takes minutes to prepare but is packed full of flavour and will make you feel like you're sitting at a beautiful stylish restaurant on the Amalfi Coast.

    Meaning of Caprese Salad

    Caprese Salad or Insalata Caprese translates literally as the salad from Capri - the gorgeous sun-soaked island off Italy's famous Amalfi Coast. The Caprese Salad is rumoured to have been designed to mimic the Italian flag with the red, white and green colours of tomato, mozzarella and basil. So you could say that the meaning of Caprese Salad is Italy itself!

    You can make your Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes as they are so sweet and it's easier to assemble or use larger Marmande tomatoes as I have done. You can also switch out the mozzarella and make a Burrata Caprese - but it's often harder to get hold of and doesn't keep as long.

    Caprese salad recipe

    Dressing for Caprese salad

    The dressing for a Caprese salad is simply extra virgin olive oil and good quality balsamic vinegar, or I also like to use a balsamic glaze to really intensify the flavour.

    Jump to:
    • Meaning of Caprese Salad
    • Dressing for Caprese salad
    • Ingredients for Caprese salad
    • Instructions
    • Wine Pairing
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top tip
    • Caprese salad recipe
    • Food safety

    Ingredients for Caprese salad

    There are just three ingredients in a classic Caprese Salad recipe, making it one of the best options for light lunches in the summertime. They are ripe tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. You can then make a dressing too, I prefer a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze plus some salt and cracked black pepper.

    A Caprese Salad, typical Amalfi Coast style food
    • Mozzarella cheese
    • Tomatoes
    • Basil
    • Salt and pepper
    • Olive oil
    • Balsamic vinegar or glaze

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Drain the Mozzarella and slice it into medallions or tear it into pieces. If you're using Burrata, wait until the last minute to add it to the dish. Cut the tomatoes into similarly sized pieces and layer them on a plate in a circle. Scatter the fresh basil on top and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic glaze. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and you're good to go.

    Caprese salad with tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil
    The perfect flavour combination of tomato and mozzarella

    Simply slice the tomatoes and mozzarella and tear the basil over the top.

    Caprese salad on a table
    The Caprese Salad comes from Capri on the Amalfi Coast in Italy

    Hint: Allow the cheese and tomatoes to reach room temperature before serving to let their flavours sing.

    Wine Pairing

    If you're wondering what wine to serve with Caprese Salad I would recommend a Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio, the crisp acidity will cut through the richness of the mozzarella cheese.

    Variations

    Here are a few ways to make a Caprese salad a bit different.

    • Other cheeses - Burrata is a great option or feta for a Greek twist
    • Pasta - Make this dish more substantial by turning it into Penne Caprese!
    • Pesto - Add a dollop of pesto on top instead of a balsamic dressing

    Equipment

    The simplicity of this recipe means you all need is a fridge and a knife!

    However, beautiful plating goes a long way. I love using the Amalfi tablescape box from The Table Stylist

    Storage

    Store the tomatoes and mozzarella separately in the fridge, and slice and combine when ready. It will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days but it is best eaten straight away.

    These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.

    Top tip

    The best mozzarella cheese comes from the Campania region of Italy and is made from Buffalo milk so try and get this if you can! Always use ripe tomatoes that are in season to get the best flavour, you can use any kind like cherry, Marmande or heirloom. I always recommend growing your own herbs at home as they'll be as fresh as can be and you can add them to all of your home cooking creations.

    Caprese salad recipe

    Caprese salad recipe

    A simple summer salad of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 308 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 200 grams Mozzarella cheese
    • 4 Beefsteak tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
    • 3 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
    • 4-8 Fresh basil leaves

    Instructions
     

    • Slice the tomatoes into pieces 1cm thick
    • Slice or tear the mozzarella cheese into pieces
    • Mix the balsamic vinegar and olive oil
    • Plate the cheese and tomatoes, drizzle over the dressing and scatter the basil leaves over the top

    Notes

    I sometimes use a shop bough balsamic glaze instead of making a vinaigrette. But that's because I love balsamic vinegar so much I get thought it very fast and often run out. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 14gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 332mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3191IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 288mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword caprese salad, tomato and mozzarella salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    Rosanna Stevens

    Hi!

    I'm Rosanna, a trained chef, published writer and food fanatic. I believe in using food and drink to make every day an event with fresh and seasonal produce, wine pairings and a perfectly styled plate.

    I write for publications in the UK, USA and Central America on food, travel and the destinations I love and have also created several recipe ebooks and Stop The Scroll, a beginner's guide to food styling and photography. Thanks for being here!

    Learn more about me →

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