Caprese Salad Recipe (VIDEO)
Caprese Salad is an easy, classic Italian salad. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil are so beautiful on a platter and you will love the Homemade Balsamic Glaze.
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Watch the Caprese Salad Video:
There’s a reason why everyone is obsessed with “Caprese” everything, even Caprese Skewers! It’s fresh, healthy, flavorful, and perfect as a light summer lunch. Watch the video to see how we make this super easy Caprese Salad. Get the print-friendly recipe for the Balsamic Glaze Here.
Just like our popular Cucumber Tomato Salad, this Caprese Salad should be on the regular rotation during tomato season when tomatoes are at their peak in flavor and texture. Sometimes the simplest salad recipes are the best!
What is Caprese Salad?
“Insalata Caprese” literally means “the salad of Capri” which is an Italian island. Caprese salad is typically made by layering slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, then seasoned to perfection, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sometimes a balsamic glaze.
Fun fact: the colors of a Caprese salad match the Italian flag which is green, white and red.
How to Make Caprese Salad:
- Start by layering slices of tomatoes on a serving platter. Tuck slices of cheese between each tomato so both are visible then tuck whole basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes. Arrange the slices so you can see every layer.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil, and drizzle with 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze or add it to taste.
Serving Tip: Caprese salad is so beautiful when served on a platter. Arrange all of your salad ingredients then just before serving, drizzle with salt, pepper and balsamic (or extra virgin olive oil). Adding the salt too early will make your tomatoes release extra juice.
Can I Omit the Balsamic Glaze?
During the summer months when tomatoes (especially heirloom tomatoes) are at their peak in taste, you can omit the balsamic glaze and season with only salt, pepper, and a good extra virgin olive oil.
The salad was traditionally made without a balsamic glaze but it adds wonderful tangy-sweet flavor and a little goes a long way. It is especially handy when tomatoes are out of season.
Can I Substitute the Fresh Mozzarella?
Fresh Mozzarella is classic to this salad. A close second option would be burrata which is creamy and mild in flavor. I would NOT recommend using low moisture or part-skim mozzarella cheese due to its tougher texture and saltier flavor.
More Fresh Tomato Recipes:
These tomato recipes will help you get the most of sweet summer tomatoes.
- Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad – so fresh and easy
- Pico De Gallo – with the secret to authentic salsa
- Marinated Tomatoes – easy way to use a lot of tomatoes
- Canned Tomatoes – preserve those tomatoes for winter
- Roasted Tomato Salsa – we batch cook this and freeze
Caprese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Ripe tomatoes, (3-4 medium) sliced 1/4” thick
- 12-16 oz Fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4” thick
- 1 bunch Fresh basil, (1/3 cup basil leaves)
- 3 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper, or to taste
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic glaze, or added to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Start by layering slices of tomatoes on a serving platter. Tuck slices of cheese between each tomato so both are visible then tuck whole basil leaves between the cheese and tomatoes. Arrange the slices so you can see every layer.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, drizzle all over with extra virgin olive oil and drizzle with 2 Tbsp balsamic glaze or add it to taste.
Nutrition Per Serving
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Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
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Hi Natasha,
Made your caprese salad with balsamic glaze (I added the optional honey to the glaze). My husband and I really enjoyed it! It’s a keeper. Matter of fact, we’re having it again tonight!
Thanks, Natasha!
Very nice and enjoy it again!
Can this be refrigerated for a couple hours We’re having company in a couple hours. Brenda
Hi Brenda, we prefer this recipe fresh and haven’t tried making it ahead yet.
Natasha, is this a recipe that can be made the night before and refrigerated?
Hi Lisa, we prefer it best fresh.
Loved this salad so delicious
Balsamic dressing got a little to thick so I added more Balsamic.
Glad you enjoyed it, Shirley.
thinking of chopping some arugula on top also what do you think?
Hi! I think that would go great! 🙂
I have been thinking and praying for you and your family as the events in the Ukraine unfold. Reading your blog and using your recipes have been a real blessing over the years. We have a sovereign Lord.
You’re so kind! Thank you so much for your prayers, Penny! Blessings to you!
A completely delicious salad! Will definitely become a staple in my kitchen!!!
Thank you so much, glad you loved it!
It’s so delicious! I use fresh peaches slice them up in replace of tomatoes… so delicious!!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, KH!
Had one at a relative’s in Italy. Only difference was very thinly cut sweet onion.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Ken!
This was better than any restaurant Caprese salad I’ve had. The homemade Balsamic dressing was the star of the salad. Don’t be stingy-use plenty of it. The only thing I did different was I chopped the basil. Too much was a little over powering- takes away from the balsamic glaze. This was perfect!!!
Thank you for your good comments and feedback, Linda. We appreciate you sharing that with us!
This salad is super easy and super delicious
Thank you for your good feedback, Araceli!
Try adding slices of grilled eggplant. AMAZING!
Great suggestion! Thank you for sharing that with us.
Yummilicous!
I add a few small cloves of garlic too, so good!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that Rachel!
This salad is so fresh and yummy. We love it and we mostly have it everyday. I even plant the basil in our garden to have fresh supply. Thank you for another delicious and easy meal.
It’s perfect and so good to know that you have basil available in your garden anytime!
Soooo good!!! Yum!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This was amazing. My garden fresh tomatoes really show off with these ingredients. Yum.
Garden fresh is the best!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
This is such an amazing salad! Perfect side dish!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that Toni!
Thank you. The dish name is tomba chicken please do it.
Love Caprese salad! I don’t know why I don’t make it more often. This is such a great dish for the summer!
Thanks Julie and totally agree, this is perfect for summer!
I LOVE Caprese Salad. Thank you for sharing this AMAZING recipe!
You’re welcome, Lucy! I hope you love this recipe!
I LOVE Caprese Salad. Thank you for sharing this AMAZING recipe!
I hope you try this recipe soon Lucy! Thank you for that wonderful review!
What’s the best brand of balsamic vinegar to buy?
I have purchased a variety. Look for one that says Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (Colavita brand is a good one).
For Christmas I made your recipes for lobster tails, beef tenderloin and asparagus, they were all a tremendous success, so delicious and perfect. Thank you, love your recipes, they’ve all turned out great, keep them coming!
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles
Leave away the balsamico and instead mix 10 parts of extra virgin olive oil with 1 part of lemon juice – the best way to do this is in a sealed mason jar by shaking extremely vigorously until an emulsion is formed.
This will take your caprese to a complete new level, as it tastes much frecher – and the balsamico is too dominant for the mozarella.
Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Michael!
my daughter loves this type of salad, however my husband needs “real food” if he is going to eat this as part of the meal. What would be a good main entree that enhances this caprese salad, or vice versa?
Hi Nikole, Caprese salad pairs really well with steak or chicken.
Quick, easy and incredibly delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that.
This is one of my favorite summer salads! Especially now that my tomatoes are ripe in the garden, perfect!
That’s so great! I’m so glad you have a new favorite!
Yummy Recipe.
Hi Natasha,I love everything you do!!!Can I pair caprese salad with chicken lasagna?
Hi Paula! Thank you. I think that would pair wonderfully!
I just made this last night and it’s the absolute BEST! Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Lauren!
The BEST summer salad! We eat this daily using tomatoes from our garden…so delish!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Kellie! I love that you found a favorite on our blog!
Seriously one of the best salads ever!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed that Becky! Thank you for sharing that with me.
It’s hard to beat real mozzarella! Yum!
Isn’t it the best, Krissy! Thank you for watching & sharing that awesome review!