Caprese Salad

Name: Caprese Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italy
Ingredients: 2 tomatoes; 200 g of mozzarella; 1 bunch basil; 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar; black pepper; salt; black olives

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Caprese salad alternates slices of tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil. 🍅 It's simply dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve chilled but not ice-cold.

Total time: 15 min
Prep: 15 min
Cook: –
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €3.50

By the CookinBreak team

Ingredients 8

servings

Estimated cost €7.00

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Bowl
Kitchen knife
Cutting board

Instructions

Tap a number to check off the step, and a time to start a timer.

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and cut them into thick slices.

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Also cut the mozzarella into slices the same thickness as the tomatoes.

Wash and dry the basil leaves, then chop them finely.

In a small bowl, make the dressing by mixing the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in alternating layers on a large serving platter.

Drizzle the salad with the balsamic dressing.

Garnish with a few black olives for extra flavor, if you like.

Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

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Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

As a main

Homemade Christmas Porchetta

4 h 05Medium

For dessert

Parrozzo with Almonds and Dark Chocolate

1 h 05Easy

To drink

Cranberry Orange Cocktail

10 minEasy

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

300kcal

Protein14 g18%
Carbs8 g11%
Fat24 g71%
Fiber2 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

🌱 For an extra touch of freshness and color, you can add arugula leaves or crisp lettuce to your Caprese salad. It adds texture and a slight bitterness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes and mozzarella. 🥬

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Not recommended

The mozzarella and tomatoes lose their texture, releasing too much water after thawing.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness. Sliced tomatoes and drained mozzarella keep separately 24-48h max in the fridge in airtight containers.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Same day

No for the assembled dish. Preparing the ingredients (slicing tomatoes, draining mozzarella) the day before is possible. Store separately in the fridge in airtight containers.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Not applicable. This is a cold salad, meant to be eaten fresh.

Variations

Replace the mozzarella with burrata for a creamier version.
Use heirloom tomatoes in several colors for a more colorful plate.
Add a spoonful of pesto to the dressing.

Mistakes to avoid

Serving tomatoes straight from the refrigerator: they lose their flavor. Take them out a while beforehand.
Cutting slices of different sizes: the salad loses its visual appeal. Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella the same thickness.
Dressing too early: the tomatoes release their water. Drizzle with the dressing just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

Which mozzarella should I choose for a caprese salad?

Fresh mozzarella balls, preferably made from buffalo milk, give the most flavor and tenderness. Drain it well and cut it into slices the same thickness as the tomatoes for an even presentation.

Which tomatoes should I use for a caprese?

Ripe, meaty, flavorful tomatoes in season. Heirloom varieties or beefsteak tomatoes are excellent. Wash them and cut them into thick slices just before assembling the salad.

Does a caprese salad need balsamic vinegar?

The classic version uses only olive oil, salt, and basil. This recipe adds a little balsamic vinegar, which brings a tangy, sweet note. Use it sparingly so it doesn't overpower the mozzarella.

What should I serve with a caprese salad?

As a starter, with toasted bread or focaccia to soak up the olive oil. It also goes very well with grilled meat or fish. Serve it chilled, but not ice-cold, so the flavors come through.