How to Make Caprese Salad Like an Italian

Learn how to make Caprese salad like an Italian with this easy step-by-step recipe. Fresh ingredients & simple techniques!

Craving a taste of Italy? Caprese salad is the answer! This iconic dish is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s the perfect way to showcase those beautiful tomatoes from your garden. With just a few fresh ingredients and this simple guide, you’ll be enjoying authentic Caprese salad in no time. No fancy culinary skills required!

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The Secret to an Amazing Caprese Salad? Freshness!

The key to a truly delicious Caprese salad lies in the quality of your ingredients. Think of it as a culinary equation:

Ripe Tomatoes + Fresh Mozzarella + Aromatic Basil = Caprese Perfection

Here’s the breakdown:

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. Heirloom varieties in different colors add visual appeal and a burst of flavor. Roma, beefsteak, and cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices. In the summer months, try sourcing them from your local farmer’s market for that true Italian taste.
• Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella, ideally packed in water, for the best texture and flavor. Buffalo mozzarella, with its rich and creamy taste, is even closer to what you’d find in Italy.
• Basil: Only fresh basil leaves will do! And don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties like purple basil or Thai basil for a unique twist.

Ingredients for Caprese Salad

It’s easy to keep the ingredients on hand, particularly if you have an herb or vegetable garden. But even if you don’t, the ingredients are minimal and simple to pick up from the market.

Here’s what you need.

• tomatoes
• basil
• fresh mozzarella
• extra virgin olive oil
• balsamic vinegar
• garlic
• salt and pepper

How to Make Caprese Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep your ingredients: Slice your tomatoes and mozzarella into rounds of similar thickness. For a less watery salad, sprinkle the tomato slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Layer like an artist: Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating between the two. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
3. Dress it up: Drizzle generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. A balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and visual flair (very Italian!).
4. Season and serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting some pine nuts and scattering them on top.

Tips for Caprese Salad Success

• Chill out: Allow the salad to chill for a short time before serving to let the flavors meld.
• Get creative: Try adding sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, or a drizzle of pesto for your own variations.
• Don’t overdress: Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh. Avoid making it too far in advance, as the tomatoes and mozzarella can become watery.

Can I Make Caprese Salad Ahead of Time?

While Caprese salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly, you can do some prep work in advance. Here’s how:

• Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella a few hours ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.
• Basil: Keep the basil leaves whole and store them in a plastic bag lined with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator.
• Dressing: If you’re using a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing, you can whisk it together in advance and store it separately.

Important Note: Avoid assembling the salad completely ahead of time, as the tomatoes and mozzarella can release moisture and become watery. It’s best to layer and dress the salad just before serving for optimal freshness and flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover Caprese salad, here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate promptly: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container lined with paper towels and refrigerate as soon as possible.
• Consume within 24 hours: For best quality, enjoy leftover Caprese salad within 24 hours. The texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella may soften slightly with refrigeration.

Beyond the Basics: Caprese Salad Variations

Caprese salad is a blank canvas for culinary creativity! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine), and basil leaves onto skewers for a fun and easy appetizer.
• Caprese Salad with Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado for a richer texture and healthy fats.
• Grilled Caprese Salad: Grill the tomato and mozzarella slices for a smoky flavor dimension.

And if you want something more than a salad, I got you! Try this tasty recipe for Mozzarella and tomato caprese appetizer bites that takes minutes to whip up. Serve it as an appetizer or make a meal out of it. Either way…it is sooo good!

Final Thoughts About How to Make Caprese Salad

For me, Caprese salad is the epitome of summer. When my garden tomatoes are at their peak, this is my go-to dish. It’s so simple to throw together, yet it’s bursting with flavor and freshness. Whether served as a light lunch, a yummy side dish, or even a satisfying main course with some crusty bread, Caprese salad always hits the spot. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Want to learn how to grow the freshest tomatoes the best caprese salad? Read this article from Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

My Favorite Fresh Tomatoes Recipes

One of the best parts about growing tomatoes is harvesting and using them in the kitchen. Want to use your tomato harvest all year long? Learn how to freeze tomatoes with these simple tips.

Wait until you try some of my favorite tomato-based recipes!

• Bruschetta Tomatoes Recipe from Grandma’s Vault
• The Best Recipe for Garden Fresh Gazpacho
• Simple Salad with Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Onion
• Loaded Nachos
• Quick and Easy Spinache Tortellini Soup
• How to Make Sunday Sauce with Meatballs Like a Pro

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