The Easiest Classic Caprese Salad (Ready In 10 Minutes Or Less!)

This classic Caprese salad combines simple ingredients that burst with fresh flavors, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a stylish starter. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is delightfully straightforward and sure to impress. So, grab some ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and lush basil, and make a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Tomatoes and mozzarella with basil and olive oil

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What is Caprese?

Caprese is a delightful Italian salad that’s as simple as it is delicious. It’s made with fresh, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves, all beautifully layered together. The salad is typically seasoned with a sprinkle of salt, a dash of pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, and sometimes a splash of balsamic vinegar or balsamic vinegar glaze for a little extra zing. The vibrant colors of the red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil taste wonderful together and pay homage to the Italian flag. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or as a starter, especially when you want something refreshing that still feels indulgent.

Why you’ll love this Caprese Salad recipe

This Caprese salad recipe is here to steal your heart! It’s all about simplicity and freshness – the key essentials that make this dish a timeless favorite.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt, each bite is a burst of clean, refreshing flavors. It’s minimalism at its culinary best.
Quick & Easy: Spend less time preparing and more time enjoying. This salad requires no cooking skills — just slice, layer, and serve. Perfect for a last-minute meal or a speedy, nutritious snack.
Versatile & Customizable: Whether you’re serving it as a cool appetizer on a warm day or as a light, healthy lunch, this salad is incredibly adaptable. Add a balsamic glaze for a sweet tang or throw in some avocado for a creamy twist — make it your own!
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the tomato, the pristine white of the mozzarella, and the lush green basil not only taste great together but also create a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress at any dining table.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutrients and rich in flavors, it's a guilt-free indulgence that supports your well-being.

The ingredients you will need to make Caprese Salad

Fresh Tomatoes: This recipe can be made any time of the year, but it is the most flavorful when tomatoes are in season.

Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a low-moisture cheese with a creamy, fresh flavor. Slice the mozzarella as thick or thin as you would like.

Fresh Basil Fresh basil is added to Caprese salad to complement the flavors and textures of the other ingredients, and to add color.

Olive Oil: Another key ingredient for this dressing is olive oil, so make sure that you don’t use just any old olive oil.

Salt and Pepper: Finish with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop even more.

Optional: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.

How to make Caprese Salad

Making Caprese salad is super easy. Simply arrange the sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If desired, finish with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze.

Tomatoes and mozzarella with basil and olive oil. Drizzled with balsamic glaze

Top Tips

You can make this simple or jazz it up using a variety of different ingredients like avocado, peaches or basil vinaigrette.

You can make a homemade balsamic glaze or use a store-bought version.

This dish tastes best if served immediately, however it can be refrigerated for up to 1 day in an airtight container.

Add it to cooked pasta, make a Caprese pasta salad, make a sandwich, or amp up baked chicken.

Substitutions and Additions

Add peaches to the salad. Use part peaches and part tomatoes and switch out the mozzarella for burrata.

Try a combination of fresh basil & mint.

Add pesto to finish the salad.

Top the salad with toasted pine nuts for crunch.

What to serve with Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Here are some delicious ideas on what to serve with your Caprese salad to create a memorable meal:

Grilled Chicken or Fish: Lean proteins like chicken or fish are perfect alongside the freshness of a Caprese salad. Grill them with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper to keep the flavors balanced and complementary.
Pasta Dishes: A light pasta dish, perhaps tossed with a pesto or a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, makes a hearty yet not overly heavy pairing for Caprese salad. It's a match made in Italian food heaven!
Pizza: Imagine a crispy thin-crust pizza served next to your vibrant Caprese salad. Opt for simple toppings like mozzarella, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes to echo the flavors of your salad.
Bread: A crusty piece of artisan bread or a warm focaccia can be a great addition to help soak up all the delicious juices and balsamic glaze from the Caprese salad.
Roasted Vegetables: A platter of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplants seasoned with herbs complements the freshness of the salad and rounds out a vegetarian meal.
Risotto: A creamy risotto, whether it’s a classic Parmesan or a lemon zest-infused version, pairs beautifully with the simple and fresh flavors of a Caprese salad.
Steak: For a more indulgent meal, serve a perfectly grilled steak with your Caprese salad. The richness of the meat alongside the freshness of the salad creates a satisfying balance.
Quiche or Frittata: A light, eggy dish like a quiche or frittata filled with herbs and perhaps a touch of cheese is a wonderful brunch option to serve along with Caprese salad.

Caprese: FAQ

How do I pronounce ‘Caprese’?

kuh·pray·zay

What does Caprese mean?

"Caprese" refers to something that originates from or is related to Capri, an island in Italy. It's most famously used to describe "Insalata Caprese" (Caprese salad), a simple, fresh salad made from sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This delightful dish is loved for its delicious taste and the way it beautifully showcases the vibrant colors of the Italian flag.

Which tomatoes are best for Caprese?

Choosing the perfect tomatoes for your Caprese salad can make all the difference in enjoying this simple yet delicious dish! When it comes to selecting tomatoes, you really want to look for ones that are ripe, juicy, and full of flavor. The best types are typically:

Heirloom Tomatoes - These come in an array of colors and sizes and pack a sweet, vibrant flavor that can elevate any Caprese salad.
Beefsteak Tomatoes - Large and meaty, these tomatoes are excellent for slicing and layer with fresh mozzarella.
Cherry Tomatoes - If you're after a more bite-sized Caprese, cherry tomatoes are perfect. They're sweet, juicy, and can be mixed whole with mini mozzarella balls for a fun twist on the traditional dish.

No matter which type you choose, make sure they're fresh and ripe for the best taste. Enjoy making your Caprese salad!

What kind of mozzarella cheese do I use in Caprese Salad?

For a truly delicious Caprese salad, the best choice is fresh mozzarella cheese! You’ll find it in the form of soft, white balls, often packed in water or brine to keep them fresh. This type of mozzarella is creamy and delicate, which pairs wonderfully with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. Opt for either the smaller "bocconcini" or the larger "ovoline" sizes, or you can slice up a larger mozzarella ball if you prefer.

What dressings go with Caprese Salad?

A classic Caprese salad is deliciously simple, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients. Since the main stars are ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, you really don't need much to enhance these flavors. The most traditional dressing is a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil, which brings out the richness without overpowering the other ingredients. For a bit of zest, a splash of balsamic vinegar or even a balsamic glaze can add a lovely depth and slight sweetness that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella beautifully.

How long will Caprese Salad keep in the fridge?

Caprese salad can definitely be prepped ahead of time. It's perfect for when you want to get a head start on meal prep or are planning for guests. Just keep a few tips in mind to maintain the best quality and taste.
When making Caprese salad in advance, layer the sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil as you normally would. However, it's best to wait on adding salt, pepper, and balsamic dressing until just before serving. This keeps the tomatoes from becoming too watery and the salad fresh and vibrant.
Store your prepped salad in the refrigerator, covered, to keep everything fresh. Then, when you're ready to serve, simply drizzle with your olive oil and balsamic glaze, sprinkle on some salt and pepper, and voilà! You've got a fresh, delicious Caprese salad that tastes like it was just made.