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This classic Italian Caprese salad is topped with a homemade balsamic glaze for a fresh, flavorful, and vibrant appetizer or side dish. Simple and quick to make, it’s a classic for a reason!
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A good Caprese salad should never be understated, just great ingredients combined together to create the perfect bite. Juicy and sweet-smelling heirloom tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella are the stars of this dish. Creamy mozzarella balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and balsamic and basil leaves add a herby freshness.
This tomato mozzarella Caprese salad can be served as an appetizer or side dish and it’s ready to serve in less than 10 minutes.
If you are looking for more tasty salads, be sure to check out my Strawberry Spinach Salad and Chef Salad.
Caprese Salad Ingredients
- Mozzarella: Use a fresh mozzarella ball for this recipe. I like to use buffalo mozzarella which is rich and creamy.
- Tomatoes: Use vine ripe or garden-fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves add color and subtle fresh sweetness to the salad.
- Olive Oil: I like to drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
- Balsamic glaze: It’s really easy to make your own balsamic reduction and adds a wonderfully sweet and tangy flavor to the finished dish.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
How to Make Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Alternate a slice of tomato and a slice of mozzarella on a large plate, and keep alternating until you’ve used up all the ingredients.
- Place fresh basil leaves in between the layers.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze on top of the layered tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- You can make your own balsamic glaze or use a store-bought version.
- You can add in extras like sliced avocados or even mix in some fresh pesto for more basil flavor.
- Make sure that your tomatoes are ripe for the sweetest and boldest flavors.
- Use a sharp knife for best results and evenly cut slices.
- Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into similarly sized slices so that it is well balanced.
- Add the balsamic glaze just before serving.
What is Caprese Salad?
Caprese is an Italian salad (Italian: Insalata Caprese, meaning salad in the manner of Capri) and features the colors of the country’s flag; red, green, and white. There is a belief that this mozzarella basil and tomato salad was created to symbolize the Italian flag. Traditionally, it is made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and drizzled with olive oil, but the balsamic makes a wonderful addition. You can add other ingredients, such as arugula or sliced avocado.
If you like the flavors of this tomato Caprese salad recipe, be sure to check out my Grilled Chicken Caprese.
Can you make it ahead of time?
This tomato basil mozzarella salad is best served fresh as soon as it is plated, and luckily it doesn’t take long to make! If you are in a pinch with time, you can plate the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, cover them with plastic wrap, and keep them in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving. Drizzle over the balsamic glaze just before serving.
What to serve with Caprese Salad?
I like to serve this Caprese salad by itself as an appetizer, and maybe with a little crusty bread. It works great as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. Try it with:
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs
- Chicken Piccata
- Sous Vide Steak
- Blackened Salmon
More Easy Salad Recipes
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Caprese Salad
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Ingredients
- 16 oz of fresh Mozzarella, sliced in rounds
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, sliced in rounds
- Handful of basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Alternate a slice of tomato and a slice of mozzarella on a large plate, and keep alternating until you’ve used up all the ingredients.
- Place fresh basil leaves in between the layers.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze on top of the layered tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Make sure that your tomatoes are ripe for the sweetest and boldest flavors.
- Use a sharp knife for best results and evenly cut slices.
- Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into similarly sized slices so that it is well balanced.
- Add the balsamic glaze just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
My hubby is going to love this recipe! So excited to give this a try! Looks wonderful and tasty!
This is one of my absolute favorite salads to make during the summertime! 🙂
What a light and refreshing salad! It has all of my favorite flavors. Sounds wonderful paired with the shrimp skewers. Yum!
This looks absolutely delicious and I can imagine summer just by looking at these photos!
Looks refreshing, fresh and juicy. Love the colorful presentation too.