The Caprese salad is a taste of summer and those warmer months. It’s a simple dish that brings the freshest ingredients to create a vibrant, light and satisfying meal. Hailing from the sun-drenched Italian islands, this salad is a testament to it’s Italian heritage of “less is more”.
Caprese Salad, or ‘Insalata Caprese’, is a classic Italian salad. Originating from the island of Capri, this salad showcases the vibrant flavours of summer with its fresh season ingredients and minimal preparation. Perfect as a starter or a light meal for guests or your family.
But don’t be fooled by this salads simplicity. The key is to use the fresh ingredients you can find. Tomatoes should be ripe, mozzarella should be fresh and milky, and the basil leaves should be fragrant and vibrant. Once you have these elements, the rest is simply a matter of assembly.
Caprese Salad Tips
- Choose ripe tomatoes: Opt for tomatoes ripened on the vine or heirloom tomatoes for the best flavour and texture. Otherwise, just normal ripe tomatoes will do.
- Fresh mozzarella is key: Use fresh mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella for a creamy and authentic taste.
- Basil leaves: Select fresh, aromatic basil leaves to enhance the salad’s fragrance and taste. Tear the basil leaves by hand instead of cutting them.
- Olive oil quality: A good virgin olive oil will make a significant difference, adding richness and depth to the salad.
- Season wisely: Use sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 250g fresh mozzarella cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the tomatoes and mozzarella: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into even, round slices, about 1cm thick.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a large serving platter, alternating between the two. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices for a beautiful and aromatic presentation.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Generously drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the salad.
- Season: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Add balsamic glaze (optional): For a touch of sweetness and additional flavour, lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad.
- Serve immediately: Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve as a starter or a light meal with crusty bread on the side.
Enjoy this salad as a starter, a light lunch, or a side dish. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or as a part of a larger meal, this salad is sure to be a favourite. Pair it with a crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a truly delightful meal.
Fancy a bit more Mediterranean sunshine? Check out our recipe for a Bright Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for another summer classic.
If you’re considering purchasing a tomato knife, read the tomato knife review for more information on finding the right one for you.
