• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
She Loves Biscotti
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Maria
  • My Store
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Appetizers » Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad: Insalata Caprese

    Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad: Insalata Caprese

    August 13, 2022 Maria 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    A close up photo of Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad.

    This easy and delicious Italian Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad is the perfect summer appetizer! Bursting with flavor, it only takes a few quality ingredients -fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. Don’t let summer go by without making this classic Insalata Caprese!

    Fresh Mozzarella cheese, tomato slices and basil leaves on a white serving platter.
    Jump to:
    • Introduction
    • What is Caprese?
    • How to make Caprese salad
    • 5 tips to make the best Caprese salad
    • FAQ
    • What to serve with Caprese?
    • Easy Italian Appetizers
    • Recipe origins
    • Recipe

    Introduction

    Originating from the beautiful island of Capri, this Italian appetizer for a classic Caprese salad recipe is a summer must.

    Using the freshest ingredients is key to achieving that sought-after Mediterranean taste, especially since these are simple ingredients.

    That is, after all, one of the most important aspects of Italian cuisine.

    If you have visited here before, I have shared dozens of recipes for Italian appetizers, including this basil tomato bruschetta.

    No one can resist no-cook appetizers, especially in the summer!

    What is Caprese?

    A Caprese (pronounced ca-preh-zseh) salad is a simple Italian salad made with fresh creamy mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil before being served. It is often served as an entrée.

    How to make Caprese salad

    A colander filled with heirloom tomatoes, next to basil leaves, a ball of mozzarella, sea salt and pepper.

    Rinse the tomatoes and basil leaves and gently dry with a tea towel.

    Heirloom tomatoes being sliced to make a caprese salad.

    Using a very sharp knife, slice tomatoes about ½ inch thick. If you prefer, cut it into chunks or even cubes. 

    Sliced heirloom tomatoes on a wooden board.

    The number of fresh tomatoes you use will depend on their size. It’s safe to say that you will need the equivalent of 2-3 medium-large tomatoes for 4 servings. That’s about one pound.

    A variety of sliced heirloom tomatoes placed in a white serving dish.

    Place the thick slices of tomatoes on a large platter and season with salt.

    Including a variety of tomatoes, like heirloom sweet cherry tomatoes provides a splash of color. Use a large enough serving dish, so the tomatoes form a single layer. It’s okay if there is a little overlap.

    Torn pieces of mozzarella cheese scattered atop sliced heirloom tomatoes in a white serving platter.

    Next, pull apart small chunks of creamy fresh mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces, at room temperature) and place them on top of the tomato throughout the platter.

    For a more traditional appearance, slice the mozzarella into ½ inch thick. Layer the mozzarella slices and tomatoes alternately in a concentric circle on the serving platter.

    A mozzarella, basil and tomato salad aka caprese in white serving dish.

    Garnish with fresh basil leaves (20-25 small leaves). Leave the basil leaf intact if small and tender. Otherwise, tear it into small pieces.

    Season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste).

    Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, about 3-4 tablespoons over the entire platter.

    Allow the flavors to meld for 15 minutes before serving.

    Mozzarella cheese on slices of tomato. surrounded by basil leaves.

    5 tips to make the best Caprese salad

    1-Use fresh, in-season ripe tomatoes. You will find the best-tasting tomatoes in backyard gardens or the farmers’ market towards the end of summer. Choose ripe and firm-fleshed tomatoes that are sweet-smelling. Since one of the main ingredients is tomatoes, sub-par tomatoes will not create a tasty salad. 

    2-Use fresh mozzarella. A buffalo mozzarella will contribute both a tangy taste and a creamy texture. If not available, a good quality fresh mozzarella (from cow’s milk) is equally delicious. 

    3-Use fragrant basil. The most aromatic of all Italian herbs is sweet basil, also known as the Genovese variety. In my opinion, this completes the triforce of the Caprese salad.

    4-Use high-quality olive oil. When purchasing olive oil, look at the production date and only buy oil produced within the window of 2 years. Since exposure to light affects the taste, do not purchase olive oil in clear bottles. 

    5-Use the right amount of salt. This potent condiment can draw out the juices from the tomatoes and create a unique tasting experience.

    FAQ

    What are the best tomatoes to use?

    Feel free to use any variety of in-season, very ripe yet firm tomatoes. Using heirloom tomatoes creates both a beautiful and delicious appetizer. Although not the classic version, use the yellow, orange, or even black variety to provide a visually appealing presentation.

    Can I make it ahead of time?

    No. This simple Italian salad takes 5 minutes to put together and should be made at least 15 minutes before serving it. If you are pressed for time, you can leave it at room temperature for up to 30 minutes, but the quality will not be the same. Whatever you do, please promise me that you will never, ever refrigerate this salad. 

    Where is the Balsamic Vinegar?

    There are a few different ways to answer this question. In its simplest form, a Caprese comprises four basic ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil. An authentic and traditional Caprese salad does not include balsamic glaze or vinegar. That being said, it is a matter of personal taste whether or not to drizzle a balsamic dressing over this fresh summer salad. 

    What to serve with Caprese?

    The soft texture and open crumb of focaccia bread is visible.

    Italian Foccacia

    Serve this fresh Caprese salad as an appetizer, with Italian focaccia bread to mop up all the tomato juices left behind.

    GET THE RECIPE

    This cast iron focaccia‘s deliciously seasoned crisp crust is another perfect pairing to this delicious summer salad. The overnight process makes it simple and easy to make – you’ll have amazing appetizers in no time!

    Easy Italian Appetizers

    • Marinated Mushrooms
    • Marinated Mozzarella Balls
    • Easy Mushroom Risotto
    • Eggplant Caponata
    • Chicken Spiedini 
    • Giardiniera
    Fresh tomatoes and basil in a colander.

    Recipe origins

    If you’ve been here before, you know I had an Italian upbringing. 

    I had the privilege of living with my paternal grandparents during my youth; as a result, I experienced many wonderful family traditions firsthand.

    Most Italian families I knew would grow their tomato plants from their seeds.

    I can still remember how, at my parents’ house, these tiny seedlings were placed right next to the patio door – it was the area that had the most sunlight in the spring and so, naturally, was reserved for the tomatoes until they were transplanted outside.

    As the days got longer and warmer, these tiny plants would be placed outside in direct sunlight during the day and transferred back inside for the evening.

    This was a labor of love.

    My mom always made this simple salad with juicy seasonal tomatoes, homegrown fresh basil, and homemade mozzarella cheese. She would layer the tomatoes and the mozzarella in concentric circles on her serving plate and sprinkle the dish with chopped basil.

    Just recently, I was inspired by this picture to pull apart the mozzarella instead of slicing it. I love this idea!

    This is a great summer appetizer you can make with just a few fresh, simple, and high-quality ingredients.

    Enjoy!!!

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria 

    WELCOME! Sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER for more delicious recipes, tips and updates!

    ★★★★★ If you have made this tomato mozzarella basil salad, I would love to hear about it in the comments below, and be sure to rate the recipe!

    Recipe

    A close up photo of Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad.

    Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad: Insalata Caprese

    This easy Italian Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad is perfect for summer. Bursting with flavor, it only takes a few quality ingredients!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 194kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 3 medium tomatoes fresh, rinsed , about 1 pound
    • 8 ounces mozzarella fresh, room temperature
    • 20 leaves basil fresh, rinsed
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper or to taste
    • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin

    Instructions

    • With a very sharp knife, slice the tomatoes ½ inch thick.
    • Place the thick slices of tomatoes on a large platter and season with salt.
    • Tear off pieces of the mozzarella and place throughout the platter, on top of the tomato slices.
    • Garnish with basil leaves. Leave the basil leaf intact if small and tender. Otherwise, tear into small pieces.
    • Season with salt and pepper.
    • Drizzle olive oil over the entire platter.
    • Allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving.
    Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon’t miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

    Video

    Notes

    What are the best tomatoes for a Caprese salad? Feel free to use any variety of in season, very ripe yet firm tomatoes. Using heirloom tomatoes creates both a beautiful and delicious appetizer. Although not the classic version, use the yellow, orange or even black variety to provide a visually appealing presentation.
    Can I make Caprese Salad ahead of time? No. This simple Italian salad literally takes 5 minutes to put together and should be made at least 15 minutes before serving it. If you are really pressed for time, you can leave it at room temperature up to 30 minutes but the quality will not be the same. Whatever you do, please promise me that you will never, ever refrigerate this salad. 
    What to serve with Caprese salad? Caprese salad is usually served as an appetizer so make sure to offer some crusty Italian bread to mop up all the tomato juices left behind. It is also great with Italian Focaccia Recipe.
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 651mg | Potassium: 262mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1284IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 1mg
    SIGN UP for Email updates!YES! Send me FREE RECIPES!

    This post was originally published on September 4, 2019, and republished on August 13, 2022 with updated content and a video. Thanks for sharing!

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Reddit
    • Email

    Filed Under: Appetizers, Side-Dish and Vegetables

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Don Cipria

      August 14, 2022 at 10:01 am

      Add a splash of wine vinegar and a splash of balsamic vinegar for more flavor

      Reply
      • Maria

        August 15, 2022 at 6:43 am

        Thanks Don!

        Reply
    2. Val

      September 08, 2019 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      I made this salad today and it was amazing! Such a simple salad with so much flavor… thanks Maria!

      Reply
      • Maria

        September 08, 2019 at 6:58 pm

        Great to hear you enjoyed this Caprese salad. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, appreciate it.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Maria from She loves biscotti

    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

    More about me →

    Subscribe and Follow

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Italian Easter Recipes

    • Braided Easter loaves on a cooling rack.
      Italian Easter Sweet Bread Recipe: Pane di Pasqua
    • A slice of ricotta pie dusted with icing sugar and decorated with a slice lo lemon.
      Ricotta Pie: Perfect for Easter!
    • Rice ricotta Easter pie in a cake stand surrounded by oranges and lemons in the background.
      Rice Ricotta Easter Pie
    • Italian Easter Grain Pie on a cake stand.
      Pastiera Napoletana: Italian Easter Grain Pie
    Banner of sites featuring She Loves Biscotti including Buzzfeed, Huffpost, etc.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 She Loves Biscotti

    Copyright © 2023

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Read moreOkNo