Caprese salad is just about my favorite thing on earth. Thick slices of tomato and mozzarella are flavored with fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and a beautiful balsamic reduction: it’s so simple but impressive. Every year, I eagerly await the arrival of summer tomatoes so I can make this delicious tomato Caprese salad every day. (Okay, maybe not every day, but I could eat it daily!) This easy Caprese salad makes a tasty, quick lunch at home, or you can serve it with grilled steak kabobs for an effortless summer dinner. It’s also perfect for a full-blown Italian-inspired feast with spaghetti and meatballs, garlic cheese bread, and tiramisu for dessert. Now, I’m hungry. This salad will forever be a summer favorite for me.
What’s in Caprese Salad?
The best caprese salad features fresh, thick-sliced tomatoes, equally thick slices of mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. That’s it! There’s nothing complicated about this recipe. A drizzle of olive oil, some balsamic reduction, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and you’re set.
Is Caprese Salad Healthy?
Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, Caprese salad is a healthy choice in my book! Ripe tomatoes contain vitamins and nutrients, while olive oil and fresh mozzarella cheese contain healthy fats and protein. I love it as a nutritious lunch idea!
What Kind of Mozzarella Cheese Do You Use in Caprese Salad?
Now is the time to splurge on the fresh stuff. Using one of those squared-off blocks of hard mozzarella cheese doesn’t have the same effect here; you need a ball of soft, spongey, fresh mozzarella cheese. You could always use burrata for a tasty option instead of fresh mozzarella. They have similar flavors, but burrata has a deliciously creamy center.
Which Tomatoes Are Best for Caprese Salad?
As long as they’re good and ripe, you can use just about any fresh tomato to make a Caprese salad. Heirloom tomatoes make a gorgeous salad, but any sliced tomato is delicious here. If you use more petite tomatoes, like cherry or grape tomatoes, halve them. To keep everything around the same size, julienne the basil and cut the mozzarella into bite-size cubes, or look for bocconcini (mozzarella pearls) at the grocery store. This will turn it into more of a toss-together salad rather than one you lay out on a serving platter, but it’s just as yummy!
What’s in the Balsamic Reduction?
It may sound fancy, but a balsamic reduction is just balsamic vinegar cooked down until thicker. You can make it that way or buy a bottle of balsamic glaze from the grocery store to keep things even more accessible.
Can You Use Balsamic Vinegar Instead of Balsamic Reduction?
Sure! Balsamic vinegar will not be as thick or sweet as balsamic reduction, but a splash adds flavor and acidity to the salad.
How Long Will Caprese Salad Keep in the Fridge?
This fresh summer salad is best eaten after it’s assembled for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but if fully assembled and dressed, they will probably become watery as they sit. If you plan to store it for later, leave off the basil, olive oil, and balsamic reduction until just before serving.
Are you looking for the best Caprese salad near me? Try making this easy Caprese salad bowl at home with this recipe for Caprese salad. Enjoy this classic dish’s simple, fresh flavors and perfect Caprese salad dressing.
Caprese Salad Ingredients
Fresh mozzarella: I prefer pre-sliced fresh mozzarella to save time, ensuring it’s cut to the right thickness. Alternatively, you can buy a whole piece and slice it for the same taste.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil rather than standard refined olive oil, as it is less processed and offers more flavor.
Fresh tomatoes: Vine-ripened tomatoes from the store are sumptuous, but garden-grown tomatoes are the best for a tomato Caprese salad.
Fresh basil: Choose vibrant green leaves that are not dark or bruised. Avoid wilting leaves.
Balsamic vinegar: Use a decent-quality balsamic vinegar with a well-balanced flavor; there is no need for a super expensive one.
Honey: Optional; add it based on how tart or sweet your balsamic vinegar is.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste to enhance and complement the dish’s flavors.
How to Make Caprese Salad
Make balsamic reduction: Whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer until thickened and reduced to nearly 2 tablespoons, about 8-11 minutes.
Let it cool: Pour the reduction into a small bowl and cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Assemble salad: Layer tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a rimmed serving platter.
Dress and serve: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
What to Serve with Caprese Salad
I recommend pairing this easy Caprese salad with grilled chicken (such as my Grilled Chicken with Garlic and Herbs), homemade breadsticks, no-knead bread, or a pasta main dish.
Possible Variations
- Add avocado slices for a Caprese salad with avocado.
- Substitute half of the tomatoes with peaches.
- Skip the balsamic glaze if preferred.
- Use a store-bought balsamic glaze to save time.
- Try a homemade Italian dressing instead of olive oil and balsamic.
- Add a clove of minced garlic.
Tips
- Make this Caprese salad in the summer when tomatoes are at their best, as it makes a significant difference.
- Use a decent olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a well-rounded flavor; they don’t need to be high-end.
- Prepare the salad shortly before serving for the best results.
Looking for the best Caprese salad near me? This Caprese salad recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether served in a Caprese salad bowl or paired with chicken. Try variations like Caprese salad with pasta or even watermelon Caprese salad for a unique twist. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this classic dish!
