This Caprese Salad is one of the easiest summer recipes you can make with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and a little balsamic glaze. It’s fresh, juicy, creamy, and ready in about 10 minutes.
I love making this salad when tomatoes are at their best because the recipe is so simple that every ingredient really matters. Sweet tomatoes, soft fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, good olive oil, and flaky salt are all you need for that classic Italian flavor.
You can serve it as a light lunch, appetizer, side dish, or easy summer salad next to grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp. It’s naturally low in carbs, but honestly, what I love most is how fresh and beautiful it looks on the plate.
If you love fresh tomato salads, you may also like my Cucumber Tomato Salad.
What Is Caprese Salad?
Caprese salad, also called Insalata Caprese, is a classic Italian salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It comes from the island of Capri and is known for its simple ingredients and beautiful red, white, and green colors.
Traditional Caprese salad does not need much. The best version comes from using ripe tomatoes, good mozzarella, fresh basil, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Balsamic glaze is optional, but I love adding a little because it brings a sweet and tangy finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tomatoes – Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Large tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes all work. If the tomatoes are not flavorful, the salad will be bland.
Fresh Mozzarella – Use fresh mozzarella, not the low-moisture shredded kind. You can use a mozzarella ball, mozzarella slices, bocconcini, or mozzarella pearls. Buffalo mozzarella or burrata also works beautifully.
Fresh Basil – Fresh basil is what gives Caprese salad its classic flavor. Don’t use dried basil here. Add it right before serving so it stays bright and fresh.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Since this salad is so simple, use a good olive oil if you can. It adds richness and brings everything together.
Balsamic Glaze – A small drizzle adds sweetness and tang. You can use store-bought balsamic glaze or make your own. For a stricter low-carb version, use just a little or skip it and add extra olive oil and lemon juice instead.
Salt and Pepper – Use flaky sea salt or fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Salt makes the tomatoes taste sweeter and juicier.
Mixed Greens – Optional. Traditional Caprese salad does not need greens, but you can serve it over arugula or mixed greens if you want a more filling salad.
How To Make Caprese Salad
Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Slice the tomatoes into medium-thick rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Slice the fresh mozzarella into slightly thinner slices.
If your tomatoes are very juicy, place them on a plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes before assembling the salad. This makes the tomatoes taste better and helps bring out their juices.
Arrange the Salad
Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving plate, slightly overlapping them. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices or scatter torn basil over the top.
Add Olive Oil and Seasoning
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Finish with Balsamic Glaze
Add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving. Don’t add too much, or it can overpower the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
Serve immediately while the tomatoes are juicy, the mozzarella is fresh, and the basil still looks bright.
Balsamic Glaze for Caprese Salad
You can use store-bought balsamic glaze, but it’s also very easy to make at home with just balsamic vinegar. The glaze is simply balsamic vinegar simmered until it reduces into a thicker, slightly sweet syrup.
For this Caprese salad, you only need a small drizzle. I usually use about 1 to 2 tablespoons for the whole salad, just enough to add that sweet and tangy flavor without covering the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
How to Make Balsamic Glaze
Add 1 cup balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 12 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
For a sweeter glaze, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or sweetener while it simmers, but this is optional. If you’re keeping the recipe low-carb, skip the honey and use the glaze sparingly.
Tips For Making The Best Caprese Salad
- Season the Tomatoes: Prior to adding the tomatoes to your salad, consider seasoning them. This step enhances their natural meatiness and helps extract their delicious juices, elevating the overall flavor.
- Grilled Zucchini or Eggplant: For an added twist, incorporate some grilled zucchini or eggplant into your Caprese salad. These low-carb options bring a smoky and savory element that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Opt for Lemon Juice: If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with fresh lemon juice. This provides a tangy and zesty flavor while keeping the carb count down.
- Vegan Variation: If you follow a vegan lifestyle, you can replace the traditional cheese with slices of creamy avocado. Avocado adds a smooth and buttery texture, making it a delicious plant-based alternative.
Caprese Salad Recipe Variations
- Peach and Tomato Medley: Incorporate a combination of juicy peaches and ripe tomatoes. The sweet and tangy flavors of the peaches complement the salad beautifully. Alternatively, skip the fresh mozzarella and serve the tomatoes and basil with a luscious ball of burrata for a delightful variation.
- Avocado Delight: Add sliced avocado to your Caprese salad for a creamy and nutritious addition.
- Basil and Mint Fusion: Experiment with a blend of fresh basil and mint leaves for an aromatic twist. The combination of these herbs adds a refreshing and unique flavor profile to your salad.
- Pesto Perfection: Finish off your salad by adding generous dollops of basil pesto. The vibrant flavors of the pesto elevate the dish, adding an herbal and garlicky element.
- Toasted Pine Nut Crunch: For an additional textural element, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top of your Caprese salad. The nutty crunch enhances the overall experience and adds a delightful contrast.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add some Kalamata olives and thinly sliced red onions to your Caprese salad for a Mediterranean flair.
What To Serve With Caprese Salad
While Caprese salad is delicious on its own, it can also be paired with other dishes to create a satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: For a flavorful protein option, serve Caprese salad alongside crispy and tender air fryer chicken tenders. The combination of the juicy salad and crunchy chicken creates a delightful contrast of textures.
- Oven-Baked Chicken Breast: Another fantastic choice is to pair the Caprese salad with oven-baked chicken breast. The lean and succulent chicken complements the freshness of the salad, creating a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Bread: If you’re following a keto diet, consider enjoying Caprese salad with a slice of toasted keto bread spread with butter. The bread adds a satisfying element and can be a great option for those looking for a low-carb accompaniment.
How To Store Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is best served fresh, right after it is assembled.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The tomatoes will release liquid as they sit, and the basil may darken, so the texture will not be quite as fresh the next day.
For make-ahead prep, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella and store them separately. Keep the basil dry, then assemble the salad and add olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic glaze right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Caprese salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella separately, keep the basil dry, and add olive oil and balsamic glaze at the end.
What tomatoes are best for Caprese salad?
Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, vine-ripened tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes all work well.
Can I use mozzarella pearls?
Yes. Mozzarella pearls or bocconcini are great if you want a smaller, bite-sized Caprese salad. They also work well with cherry tomatoes.
Is Caprese salad low carb?
Yes, Caprese salad is naturally low in carbs. If you are strict keto, use balsamic glaze sparingly or replace it with lemon juice because balsamic glaze is more concentrated and can contain more sugar.
Can I use burrata instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Burrata makes the salad extra creamy. Place it in the center of the tomatoes, tear it open slightly, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Why is my Caprese salad watery?
Tomatoes naturally release juice, especially after being salted. Assemble the salad right before serving and add the balsamic glaze at the end.
More Fresh Salad Recipes
If you loved this Caprese salad, here are a few more fresh and easy salads to try next:
- Greek Salad – A fresh Mediterranean salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives, and a simple dressing.
- Antipasto Salad – A heartier Italian-style salad with meats, cheese, vegetables, and lots of flavor.
- Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumbers – Sweet, salty, fresh, and perfect for hot summer days.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad – A light and colorful salad with fresh berries, spinach, and a simple dressing.
- Spring Mix Salad – An easy green salad that works with almost any main dish.
Easy Italian Caprese Salad
Description
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe tomatoes sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or to taste
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Mixed greens or arugula optional
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
- Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a large plate, alternating them and slightly overlapping each slice.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices, or tear the basil and scatter it over the top.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh mozzarella works best. Avoid low-moisture shredded mozzarella.
Add the balsamic glaze right before serving so the salad stays fresh.
For a stricter low-carb version, use less balsamic glaze or replace it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
If making ahead, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella separately, then assemble right before serving.
Nutrition information is shared to make meal planning easier. Values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. Learn more in my nutrition policy.
Hi there
I want to go on this diet but to download all recipes take a long time.
Is there maybe a way that you can e mail me some of your recipes please.
Will really appreciate your help on this diet.
You can print them 🙂 I think it’s faster this way!