Caprese Salad Recipe – Classic Italian Freshness

📝 Discover how to make an authentic Caprese Salad, a beloved Italian dish that celebrates simplicity and freshness. With ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this recipe brings the true taste of Italy to your table in minutes.

🇮🇹 Caprese Salad – A Taste of Italy in Every Bite

Caprese Salad, or Insalata Caprese, is a timeless dish from the sun-kissed shores of Italy. Known for its elegant simplicity, this salad is a tribute to high-quality, fresh ingredients. Named after the island of Capri, it reflects the colors of the Italian flag red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil.

Caprese Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch, this salad is sure to impress with its bright flavors and beautiful presentation.

📝 Ingredients

To make a classic Caprese Salad for 2–3 servings, you will need:

• 3–4 ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
• 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella is best)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil (2–3 tablespoons)
• Salt (preferably sea salt) to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• Balsamic glaze or vinegar (optional)

🔪 Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and slice the tomatoes into 1 cm thick slices. Do the same with the mozzarella cheese. Pick fresh, whole basil leaves from the stem and pat them dry.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

On a large plate or serving dish, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella in a circular pattern. Tuck a fresh basil leaf between each slice.

Step 3: Season and Dress

Sprinkle the salad with a pinch of sea salt and a touch of black pepper if desired. Drizzle generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Step 4 (Optional): Add Balsamic Glaze

For added flavor, drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or a splash of aged balsamic vinegar. This adds a sweet, tangy contrast to the creamy mozzarella.

🧄 Tips for the Perfect Caprese Salad

• Use fresh mozzarella di bufala for authentic texture and flavor.
• Tomatoes should be ripe but firm, ideally at room temperature.
• Don’t refrigerate the salad before serving Caprese is best enjoyed fresh.
• Avoid store-bought dressing. Simple olive oil is all you need.
• Serve with crusty bread or focaccia to make it a complete meal.

🍷 Pairing Suggestions

Caprese Salad pairs beautifully with:

• A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
• Light Italian reds such as Chianti
• Sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic option

🏛️ A Slice of Italian Heritage

Caprese Salad originates from the island of Capri, a luxurious Mediterranean destination. It was originally crafted as a patriotic dish, mirroring the colors of the Italian flag. Today, it’s served in homes and restaurants across the globe, a staple of summer menus and elegant dining.

This salad epitomizes the Italian philosophy of cooking let quality ingredients speak for themselves. No need for complexity, just fresh, seasonal food handled with care.

🥗 Variations You Can Try

• Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
• Use cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for a bite-sized version.
• Add arugula for a peppery note and volume.
• Grill the tomatoes for a smoky flavor twist.

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🏷️ Tags: caprese salad, Italian recipes, fresh mozzarella, tomato salad, Mediterranean food, easy recipes, summer dishes, authentic Italian, healthy salad, balsamic glaze
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🍅 Final Flavor

Caprese Salad is the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. In just a few steps, you can create a dish that looks stunning, tastes refreshing, and delivers the essence of Italy to your plate. Whether for a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a summer picnic, Caprese Salad will never go out of style.