Caprese Salad Recipe

Classic Caprese salad is a flavorful, refreshing appetizer that's great for entertaining guests! It's a beautifully presented salad with layers of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, basil, sea salt and pepper, and drizzles of olive oil and balsamic reduction. Plus, this show-stopping dish is easy to prepare at a moment's notice.

Pouring balsamic reduction on caprese salad Make a homemade balsamic reduction and drizzle on the caprese salad. Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Things You’ll Need

  • 5 large vine-ripened tomatoes (or medium heirloom tomatoes)

  • 16 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices

  • 20 small fresh basil leaves

  • 1/4 tsp sea salt, to taste

  • 1/8 tsp black pepper, to taste

  • 2 – 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

ingredients for caprese salad on a cutting board Gather your ingredients for the caprese salad Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Step 1

Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch thick slices.

slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella on a cutting board Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Step 2

Arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on a serving dish.

tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on a platter Arrange tomatoes and cheese on a platter Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Step 3

Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. Use a quality oil for optimal flavor.

drizzling olive oil over caprese salad Drizzle the tomatoes and cheese with olive oil Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Step 4

Sprinkle the tomato and mozzarella slices with sea salt and black pepper. Garnish with small fresh basil leaves.

Note: Be sure to use the smaller basil leaves rather than the large ones so as not to overpower the tomatoes and cheese. If you don't have small basil leaves, simply chop large leaves and sprinkle them on.

tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter with salt, pepper, and basil Sprinkle the tomatoes and mozzarella with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Step 5

Heat 1/4 to 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small skillet and bring it to a full boil. Allow mixture to boil, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced to 1/2 or 1/3 of its original volume. Remove from heat and allow the reduction to cool before pouring it over the caprese salad.

Pouring balsamic reduction on caprese salad Make a homemade balsamic reduction and drizzle on the caprese salad. Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Step 6

Serve the salad with a serving spoon or fork and small appetizer plates. You can also serve with toasted baguette for a finger food approach!

Caprese Salad on a platter Classic Caprese Salad Image Credit: Julia Mueller

Tip

While this caprese salad is amazing as is, it is also amazing with toasted nuts, seeds and a sprinkle of feta or blue cheese. Even sliced apples and pears are a great addition! Keep it classic or change it up to your heart's delight using additional seasonal ingredients.

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