This easy caprese salad recipe could not be simpler or tastier. It makes the ideal quick and easy summer appetiser and is perfect as a barbecue side dish too.
I love the combination of tomato, mozzarella and basil. It's such a simple classic combination but so so tasty. Each time I have this easy caprese salad I wonder why I don't make it more often.
Where is Caprese salad from?
Caprese salad is the classic Italian salad from the island of Capri. It was developed by a chef at the hotel Quisisiana in the 1950s and the green, white and red of the ingredients represent the three colours of the Italian flag.
Is this a classic caprese salad?
A classic caprese salad contains just three main ingredients: really ripe juicy tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and buffalo mozzarella. It's usually finished off with a little salt, pepper and olive oil.
I've kept this easy caprese salad plain and simple as it really is so good you don't need to alter it.
Do you put vinegar in a caprese salad?
A classic caprese salad does not contain any vinegar. However, I am not a purist about recipes and believe everyone should adapt them to suit their tastes. If you like vinegar in your caprese salad, go ahead and add a drizzle. White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar or even rice vinegar work. Lots of people like to add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to a caprese salad too.
Can you adapt this easy caprese salad recipe?
You can't take anything away from this caprese salad but you can add extra ingredients. If you want to make it into a main meal you can turn it into a pasta caprese by adding pasta. I often make a spelt and lentil caprese salad and you can try other grains too. I think wild rice works really well with the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
When to serve caprese salad?
Caprese salad makes a great appetiser. It's also easy to make in advance too which makes it perfect as dinner party appetiser. After all, you don't want to have to spend lots of time preparing food while your guests are there!
It's also a great recipe to serve as part of a tapas or buffet meal along with cold meats and bread.
More Delicious Salads
I love salad recipes and even have a whole recipe collection for main course salad recipes. Do check it out if you're looking for inspiration!
If you like this easy caprese salad but want to make it into a main meal then you might like my spelt and lentil caprese salad. Or if you want more recipes with tomatoes and mozzarella then how about this samphire salad?
You might also like my roasted marinated peppers as they make a great side salad or an addition to one.
Recipe
Easy Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 vine tomatoes
- 1 Mozzarella ball
- 10 basil leaves
- Pinch salt
- Pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Assemble the salad. Top each slice of tomato with a slice of mozzarella and a basil leaf.
- Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin for later!
Roslia Santamaria
This looks super tasty!! I can’t wait to give it a try! It’s all delicious ingredients 🙂
Corina Blum
Thanks Rosalia! It's so simple but super tasty as well.
megha
very nice recipe thank you for shearing keep it up.
Nickki
You can't beat a good classic salad - and this is one of the best! I'm attempting to grow tomatoes for the first time this year, fingers crossed I get some so I can make this 🙂
Corina Blum
Good luck with your tomatoes! I have tried to grow vegetables a few times but I always forget to water them at some point and I've hardly ever had any success. I wish I did have green fingers though!
Choclette
Caprese salad is one of those simple dishes that seems like it might be a bit boring, but absolutely isn't. As long as you've got ripe tasty tomatoes that aren't cold from the fridge - shudders!
Corina Blum
Exactly! As long as the tomatoes are really sweet and juicy it's lovely.
Jacqueline Meldrum
I do love a caprese salad but I do like a balsamic dressing on it.
Corina Blum
It is lovely with balsamic too, isn't it?
All That I'm Eating
I absolutely love Caprese salad, it's one of my favourite meals of all. You've reminded me I need to have some as soon as possible!
Corina Blum
It's one of our favourites too - so simple but really tasty!
Joanne
You really can't go wrong with a good caprese salad!
Shelley C
Simple, fresh, delicious, PERFECT. Wonderful.
Miz Helen
I just pinned your awesome recipe! Thanks for sharing and have a great day.
Miz Helen
Corina
Thank you so much Miz Helen
colleen
Caprese salad is one of my favorites. Good choice
maria @close to home
a summer favorite at our house. My personal crop of tomatoes were horrible this year so we did not have that much. thanks for sharing
Katerina
Caprese salad is classic and always brings a summer aroma with it! Looks delicious!
dan
I love Caprese salad - the fresh cheese, basil and a really nice tomato - just so good.
Lea Ann
Thanks for the reminder that I've not made caprese salad this tomato season! It's such a wonderful combo of flavors.
Gluten Free A-Z
Caprese salad is always a winner in my house and it's perfect for all the end of the season summer tomatoes..
Heather @ Join Us, Pull up a Chair
I love caprese salads especially when the tomatoes are warm from being out in the sun!
frugalfeeding
One of my favourite salads - delicious!