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Plate with insalata caprese - sliced tomatoes and mozzarella that's topped with fresh basil leaves.

Insalata Caprese (Italian Caprese Salad)

A simple, no-cook, cold appetizer made from only three ingredients: mozzarella, tomato and basil served in the summer when tomatoes are vine ripe. The salad is served drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and finished with salt.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lbs medium vine ripe tomatoes of your choice (3-4)
  • 16 oz fresh mozzarella
  • 1/2 bunch basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • flaky sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Wash and dry your tomatoes. Remove the top and slice into ¼ inch slices.
  • Drain the fresh mozzarella of any liquid and slice into ¼ inch slices (or the same as your tomato slices).
  • Arrange the sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella slices on a platter, layering them one on top of the other, alternating the mozzarella with the tomatoes.
  • Gently tear or chiffonade the basil and sprinkle on top. Use as much or as little as you like.
  • Drizzle with the ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil and season generously with the flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep these helpful points in mind when making this easy Italian caprese salad recipe:
  • Use any kind of tomatoes (shape and color!) for this recipe including heirloom varieties
  • The better quality your mozzarella cheese and extra virgin olive oil, the better your salad will be. If you need help choosing an olive oil, you can read xx
  • This caprese salad recipe doesn’t do well under the sun. It’s not ideal for picnics but is a simple appetizer that can be prepared easily right before serving
  • Don’t use pizza grade mozzarella (for grating) for this Italian caprese salad
  • Cut your tomatoes and mozzarella the same size, ideally around ¼ inch thick
  • Be sure your tomatoes are room temperature. Avoid storing tomatoes in the refrigerator for the best flavor 
  • To keep your basil fresh, store it in water for best results until ready to use
  • Avoid adding dried herbs such as dried basil or dried oregano to your caprese salad
Keyword authentic, easy, summer
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