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Caprese Salad

A simple and elegant Italian salad from the island of Capri, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Its colors reflect the Italian flag, making it one of Italy's most iconic and beloved dishes.
Portata One-Pot Meal
Cucina napoletana
Keyword Caprese salad, Italian tomato mozzarella salad, Capri recipe, fresh mozzarella salad, Mediterranean salad, summer Italian recipe, tomato basil mozzarella, classic Italian appetizer
Preparazione 10 minuti
Tempo totale 10 minuti
Servings 4
Calories 280kcal

Ingredienti

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes sliced
  • 2.2 lb 1 kg fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 20 fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Istruzioni

  • Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a large serving platter.
  • Tuck the basil leaves between the slices.
  • Drizzle evenly with extra virgin olive oil.
  • Season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.
  • Serve immediately at room temperature.

Note

For the best flavor, use vine-ripened tomatoes and high-quality fresh DOP buffalo mozzarella.
Never serve Caprese salad straight from the refrigerator. Allow the ingredients to reach room temperature before assembling.
Traditional Caprese salad contains only tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt. Balsamic vinegar is a modern variation and is not part of the original recipe.
In some Campanian households, sweet green olives or black olives such as Gaeta olives are added for extra flavor, although they are not part of the classic Caprese recipe.
Buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala) provides the most authentic flavor and texture.
The Caprese could be an appetizer, light lunch, or side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood, or a one-pot-dish depending on ingredients quantity.