What is Caprese salad?

Insalata Caprese is a simple Italian salad from the island of Capri. It is made with sliced ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt. No vinegar, no lettuce, no balsamic glaze. Just those five ingredients.

What kind of mozzarella do you use for Caprese?

Fresh mozzarella packed in water or whey. In Italy, buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) is traditional. In the US, good quality cow's milk mozzarella (fior di latte) from a deli or cheese shop is your best bet. Burrata is also excellent.

Do you put balsamic on Caprese salad?

Traditionally, no. Caprese is dressed only with olive oil and salt. That said, I do drizzle a little good balsamic on mine once in a while for a change of pace. It is not traditional, but it works. Just make sure it is quality aged balsamic, not the cheap stuff.

What tomatoes are best for Caprese?

The ripest ones you can find. Beefsteak, heirloom, or any large variety that is in peak season. They should smell like tomatoes and give slightly when pressed. Room temperature, never straight from the refrigerator.

Can you make Caprese salad ahead of time?

You can slice and salt the tomatoes up to 30 minutes ahead, but do not assemble until serving. Fresh mozzarella dries out quickly once sliced and the basil wilts. This is a last-minute dish.

Caprese Salad (Insalata Caprese)

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh basil leaves (about 8 to 10 large leaves)
Flaky sea salt or kosher salt

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Instructions

Slice tomatoes 1/4 inch thick. Lay them on a platter and season generously with salt. Let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Slice fresh mozzarella to a similar thickness as the tomatoes.
Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating and overlapping them.
Tear basil leaves by hand and scatter over the top.
Drizzle generously with your best extra virgin olive oil. Finish with a pinch of flaky salt. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 mins