The Best Classic Caprese Salad

My first bite of Classic Caprese Salad transported me straight to my grandmother’s garden, where summer tomatoes hung heavy on the vine.

The simplicity of this dish—vibrant tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—creates a harmony that celebrates summer’s bounty.

I make this salad whenever I want to bring a touch of sunshine to our family table, no matter the season.

What Makes This Classic Caprese Salad So Special

This Caprese salad brings together the trinity of Italian flavors in their purest form. What I adore most is how it transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

You’ll appreciate how it comes together in minutes yet delivers complex flavors that dance on your palate.

It’s elegant enough for company but simple enough for a quiet lunch on the patio.

I’m so glad you’re here in my kitchen for this Classic Caprese Salad! If you’re wondering what to try next, peek at my Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans for another dish that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Ingredients You Need for Classic Caprese Salad

• 4 large ripe tomatoes (about 1½ pounds) – I prefer heirloom varieties for their flavor and beautiful colors
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese – look for hand-pulled, whole milk mozzarella in water
• 1 bunch fresh basil (about ½ cup packed leaves)
• 3 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil – the flavor really matters here!
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze – store-bought works well, or make your own
• Flaky sea salt – Maldon is my personal favorite
• Freshly ground black pepper

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Absolutely! I often mix several varieties for different flavors and a beautiful presentation.

Cherry tomatoes work wonderfully for a bite-sized version, just tear the mozzarella into smaller pieces to match.

How to Make Classic Caprese Salad

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and dry your tomatoes, then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. If using heirloom tomatoes, you might want to slice some of the larger ones in half first.
2. Slice the mozzarella: Remove the fresh mozzarella from its liquid and pat dry with paper towels. Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds, roughly matching the size of your tomato slices.
3. Arrange on platter: On a serving plate or platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern. I sometimes overlap them slightly for a beautiful presentation.
4. Add fresh basil: Scatter whole fresh basil leaves generously over and between the tomato and mozzarella slices. I like to tear some of the larger leaves for better distribution of flavor.
5. Season thoughtfully: Sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over everything – this draws out the tomatoes’ natural juices and enhances all the flavors. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Finish with a drizzle: Pour the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the salad, followed by a careful drizzle of balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern.
7. Serve immediately: Caprese salad is best enjoyed right away while the flavors are bright and the textures are perfect.

My Best Tips for this Classic Caprese Salad

My years of making this salad have taught me a few secrets. Always bring your mozzarella to room temperature before serving—cold cheese masks its delicate flavor.

When selecting tomatoes, trust your nose more than your eyes; a perfectly ripe tomato should smell sweet and earthy at the stem end.

I’ve found that slicing everything to the same thickness creates the most balanced bites. And my grandmother’s secret? A tiny sprinkle of sugar if your tomatoes aren’t perfectly sweet.

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Can I make Caprese salad ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend making the entire salad more than 30 minutes before serving. The salt draws moisture from the tomatoes, which can make the dish watery if it sits too long.

If you need to prep ahead, you can slice the tomatoes and mozzarella separately and store them in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving.

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What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze?

Regular balsamic vinegar is thin and quite acidic, while balsamic glaze has been reduced to a thick, syrupy consistency with a more concentrated, sweeter flavor.

I prefer the glaze for Caprese because it stays put on the salad rather than pooling at the bottom of the plate.

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Is there a good substitute for fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella’s creamy texture and mild flavor are essential to an authentic Caprese. In a pinch, you could use burrata for an even creamier experience, or a good quality fior di latte.

Avoid using low-moisture mozzarella (the kind used for pizza) as it has a completely different texture.

My Favorite Ways to Serve This Caprese salad

My family enjoys this Caprese salad as a light lunch with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious juices. For dinner, I serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a starter before a pasta dish.

When hosting summer gatherings, I arrange individual portions on small plates as an elegant first course.

The colors of the Italian flag make this salad particularly festive for holiday celebrations, too!