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Nothing beats a classic Tomato Caprese Salad, especially during the summer months when beef tomatoes are at their peak!
This simple, yet beautiful salad easily feeds a crowd and is perfect for family dinners, lunches, dinner parties, barbecues, and special occasions.
Like my cucumber tomato salad it’s one of those recipes you can serve anytime, anywhere, and it will always be a hit!
All you need is firm, ripe tomatoes, creamy, fresh mozzarella cheese, and vibrant basil leaves. Make sure you use the best ingredients you can find and let them speak for themselves.
Dress the salad with a mild extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, sea salt and pepper, and enjoy it as an appetizer or side salad.
Recipe Tip
Serve the salad with crispy crostini for a make-your-own bruschetta situation.
❤️Why You’ll Love This Tomato Caprese
- Only a few simple ingredients.
- Beautiful side dish.
- Simple salad that pairs with almost anything.
- Suitable for everyday and fancy dinner parties.
Tomato Caprese Salad Ingredients
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Fresh mozzarella: Creamy, fresh mozzarella balls are the only real option here. I like to slice and drain them off on a paper towel for a few minutes.
- Beef tomatoes: Go for sweet, ripe tomatoes that are firm.
- Fresh basil: Adds a fresh vibrant taste, and a beautiful pop of green!
- Olive oil: I love to use a good quality, mild extra virgin olive oil, so the simple flavors aren’t overpowered.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds tang and sweetness. Swap for balsamic vinegar.
- Seasoning: Flaky salt and black pepper brings all the flavors together. Adjust to your taste.
How to Make Tomato Caprese Salad
- Prepare the ingredients. Slice the cheese and tomatoes.
- Arrange the platter. Place the sliced mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil in a spiral shape on a round platter.
- Make the dressing. Mix the olive oil and balsamic glaze, and drizzle it on top of the salad.
- Season. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.
Possible Variations
- Mozzarella: Smoked, marinated, or even mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) would all be tasty alternatives.
- Tomatoes: Use any tomatoes you have on hand. Vine tomatoes, heirloom, grape tomatoes, or even cherry tomatoes are all delicious options. If you want to avoid tomatoes altogether, use nectarines, peaches, figs, and pears.
- Platter: For a different look, opt to plate on a rectangular chopping board or platter. Arrange the ingredients in rows instead.
- Dressing: Swap olive oil and balsamic glaze for a delicious basil or parsley pesto. Even a balsamic and honey vinaigrette would be tasty.
- Add-ins: Add avocado or cucumber, or top with chopped pistachios, toasted pine nuts, or croutons for added crunch!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days.
FAQs
A few hours in advance will be fine, but wait to dress and season the salad until right before serving. You may need to remove any excess liquid from the mozzarella.
Yes, although traditionally the salad is only dressed with olive oil and salt (feel free to omit the balsamic glaze if you prefer).
Enjoy it on its own for lunch or as a side salad. You can even top it onto crostini or toast for a flavorful bruschetta.
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Tomato Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 mozzarella balls, fresh
- 5 beef tomatoes
- fresh basil leaves, to garnish
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- sea salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into thin slices.
- Arrange the tomato and cheese interchangeably on a round platter with fresh basil in a spiral.
- Whisk the olive oil and balsamic glaze together in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
