Caprese Salad: A Fresh & Flavorful Italian Classic
This easy Caprese Salad recipe combines fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a classic Italian dish that’s refreshing, delicious, and ready in just 10 minutes.
There’s something timeless about a Caprese Salad. With its vibrant colors and simple ingredients, this dish captures the essence of fresh Italian cooking. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar come together to create a salad that is both refreshing and satisfying. Best of all—it’s quick, easy, and perfect for almost any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, looking for a healthy side dish, or simply craving something fresh and flavorful, this Caprese Salad recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Light: Perfect for summer meals or as a refreshing starter.
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep with only 6 ingredients.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein.
Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a light main.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red, green, and white colors reflect the Italian flag, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s dive into each ingredient and why it matters:
1. Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
Cherry tomatoes add a juicy sweetness and pop of color. They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for salads. Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can find heirloom cherry tomatoes, their vibrant colors will make the dish even more beautiful.
2. Fresh Basil (Chopped)
Basil is the heart of a Caprese salad. Its aromatic, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with tomatoes and mozzarella. Always use fresh basil leaves, never dried—this salad depends on those bright herbal notes.
3. Mozzarella Pearls
Also known as bocconcini or ciliegine, these small mozzarella balls are creamy, soft, and mild. Their delicate texture balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the olive oil.
4. Olive Oil
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is key. It adds richness, depth, and a silky finish to the salad. For the best flavor, use cold-pressed olive oil.
5. Balsamic Vinegar
This adds a tangy-sweet note that enhances the tomatoes and mozzarella. For a more elegant presentation, you can use balsamic glaze to drizzle across the top.
6. Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that elevate the dish. A pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper bring everything together.
Recipe Card
Caprese Salad Recipe
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
½ cup fresh basil, chopped or torn into pieces
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or glaze for drizzling)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large bowl.
Add mozzarella pearls and fresh chopped basil.
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Optional: Garnish with extra basil leaves for presentation.
Tips for the Best Caprese Salad
Choose the freshest ingredients: Since this recipe is so simple, quality matters. Fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil make all the difference.
Use room temperature tomatoes: Cold tomatoes can lose flavor. Let them sit at room temp before slicing.
Tear basil leaves by hand: Chopping can bruise the leaves and make them bitter. Hand tearing preserves their flavor and look.
Upgrade with balsamic glaze: For extra sweetness and a gourmet touch, drizzle balsamic glaze instead of vinegar.
Make it ahead: Prep the ingredients separately and toss just before serving to keep basil fresh.
Variations
Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil onto skewers for bite-sized appetizers.
Add Avocado: Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the freshness of the salad.
Caprese Pasta Salad: Toss cooked pasta into the mix for a hearty side dish.
Grilled Caprese: Grill the tomatoes for a smoky twist.
Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto to turn this into a full meal.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious:
Tomatoes: Packed with vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene (a powerful antioxidant).
Basil: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Mozzarella: A source of protein and calcium.
Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Balsamic Vinegar: Low-calorie flavor boost with potential blood sugar benefits.
Suggested Wine Pairing
A Caprese Salad pairs wonderfully with:
Pinot Grigio – light, crisp, and refreshing.
Sauvignon Blanc – citrusy and herbal, complementing the basil.
Chianti – if you prefer red, this Tuscan classic balances acidity with fruitiness.
How to Serve Caprese Salad
As a Starter: A light and refreshing appetizer for Italian dinners.
On a Buffet: A colorful addition to any summer spread.
For Lunch: Serve with crusty bread or focaccia for a simple, filling meal.
As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside pasta, grilled meats, or seafood.
Why You Will Enjoy This Dish
Caprese Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients. The balance of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled with rich olive oil and tangy balsamic vinegar makes it irresistible. It’s a dish that feels indulgent while staying healthy and light. Plus, it’s so quick to make that it fits effortlessly into busy lifestyles while still feeling special.
Caprese Salad
This easy Caprese Salad recipe combines fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a classic Italian dish that’s refreshing, delicious, and ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped or torn into pieces
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or glaze for drizzling)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add mozzarella pearls and fresh chopped basil.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
- Optional: Garnish with extra basil leaves for presentation.
Ready to bring a taste of Italy to your table? 🍅🌿🧀 Try this easy Caprese Salad recipe today and impress your family or guests with its simplicity and flavor. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me—I’d love to see your version!
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