Caprese Salad - Slices of ripe tomato and fresh mozzarella are layered with whole basil leaves, then drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. This classic Italian salad celebrates the quality of its few ingredients. The contrast of juicy tomato, creamy cheese, and fragrant basil is timeless and refreshing.

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Caprese Salad - I first had Caprese in a trattoria overlooking the Mediterranean. Back home, my sad grocery tomatoes couldn't compare until I learned to salt them and let them sit. The 10-minute assembly is all about not overcomplicating—just quality ingredients. Drizzling that good olive oil feels like a small ritual. It's summer on a plate, anytime.

Dietary Notes

✓ No Cooking Required
✓ 5-Minute Assembly
✓ Fresh & Light
✓ Elegant Side Dish

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Why You'll Love This

Ingredient-Driven: Quality tomatoes and cheese are key.
Beautiful Presentation: Colorful layers look impressive.
5-Minute Prep: Perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Light & Refreshing: Balances rich main courses.

Caprese Salad

👩‍🍳 Author: Chef Nour

⏰ Prep Time: 10min

❄️ Cool Time: 0

🔥 Cook Time: 0min

🥨 Yield: 4

🍞 Method: No-Cook

🌾 Diet: Vegetarian

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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restaurant Ingredients

3-4 large ripe tomatoes
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tbsp balsamic glaze
to taste flaky sea salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

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✏️

Ripe tomatoes Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes because this salad is ingredient-driven. Heirloom or vine-ripened tastes best.
Fresh mozzarella cheese Use fresh mozzarella for creamy texture. Buffalo mozzarella is extra rich and classic for Caprese.
Fresh basil leaves Basil is the signature aroma. Use large fresh leaves and tear them to release oils without bruising.
Extra virgin olive oil High-quality olive oil is essential for authentic Italian flavor. Drizzle at the end for best taste.
Balsamic glaze Adds sweet tang and dramatic finish. Use lightly so it complements tomato and mozzarella instead of overpowering.
Flaky sea salt Flaky salt makes tomatoes taste sweeter and more vibrant. It also adds texture to each bite.
Freshly ground black pepper Pepper adds gentle bite and balances creamy cheese. Fresh pepper is more aromatic than pre-ground.

list_alt Instructions

1

Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into ¼-inch thick slices. Try to make them similar in diameter.
2

On a large serving platter or individual plates, alternate and overlap slices of tomato, mozzarella, and whole basil leaves. You can layer them in a line or a circular pattern.
3

Drizzle the entire arrangement generously with extra virgin olive oil.
4

Drizzle with balsamic glaze. You can do this in stripes or dots for a neat presentation.
5

Just before serving, sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper over the top.
6

Serve immediately at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

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Calories 220

Protein 10g

Carbs 6g

Fiber 1g

Sugar 4g

Fat 18g

Sodium 280mg

Potassium N/A

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Serving Suggestions

Arrange on a large platter or individual plates. Drizzle generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze or reduction just before serving. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately at room temperature to allow the flavors to shine.

How to Store?

Caprese salad is best served immediately after assembling. The tomatoes will release water and the basil will wilt if it sits too long. You can slice the tomatoes and cheese ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving. Do not refrigerate assembled salad.

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