A Classic Recipe Lets You Put the Tastes of Summer on a Plate

Put your best summer tomatoes to work in this easy, juicy Caprese Salad. It’s ready in 5 minutes or less with no cooking required, and it makes a great side dish or light meal option.

Best Recipe for Caprese Salad

Caprese salads are so simple, you don’t even need a recipe. As a classically-trained chef, I know what makes a good caprese salad, and it has everything to do with the time of year.

The secret to the best caprese salad is to use the best possible ingredients. Sometimes you can get away with lackluster tomatoes and insipid mozzarella, but not here. There is nothing to mask the ripeness of your produce or the texture of the cheese.

That might mean that you cannot make caprese salad all year round, and that’s okay. The best time to make caprese salad is when tomatoes are in season, roughly May through October depending on your location and the weather patterns that year. Ideally, you’ll see fresh, local tomatoes at your farmer’s market or hanging on the vine in your own backyard. That is your moment to strike!

What is Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad is a classic Italian side dish made with sliced tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh or water-packed), and whole basil leaves. Instead of a traditional salad dressing, it’s drizzled with high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkled with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

It’s often assembled in alternating layers of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves, although it could also be piled organically on a serving platter without any specific arranging.

Caprese Salad Ingredients

At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.

Best tomatoes for Caprese Salad

Choose the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find. They should be firm to the touch but give just slightly when squeezed. Caprese salad is a great opportunity to show of heirloom tomatoes, too, if you have them.

Best cheese for Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella has a silky, creamy texture and is sold either in a liquid brine or shrink-wrapped. Some shrink-wrapped versions are available pre-sliced which makes this salad even easier.

Finishing touches for Caprese Salad

• Basil: Seek out lively, firm leaves without brownish spots, discolorations, or holes. You can also grow fresh basil in an indoor or outdoor herb garden. I buy the plants sold in the produce aisle at the grocery store and keep them on the counter in the sun as long as possible.
• Olive oil: My favorite brand is Cobram Estate 100% California select extra virgin olive oil.
• Balsamic vinegar: Or substitute balsamic glaze if you have it. The thick, rich texture is perfect for drizzling.
• Salt and pepper: Freshly ground pepper is the best choice here (and flaked sea salt, if you have it).

How to make Caprese Salad

1. On a large shallow platter, arrange alternating layers of tomato and mozzarella slices, adding a basil leaf to each one.

2. Drizzle salad with olive oil and balsamic, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Caprese Salad Variations and Tips

• Yield: This Caprese Salad recipe makes about 2 pounds of salad total. It’s enough for 4 servings, 8 ounces total of tomatoes and mozzarella per serving.
• Caprese sandwich: Pile your salad on a grilled ciabatta with basil aioli for an inspired lunch or picnic option.
• Caprese chicken: This hearty, Caprese-inspired main dish combines skillet-poached chicken breast with juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Caprese bruschetta: Add a slice of mozzarella cheese to toasted crostini before topping with tomato bruschetta.
• Caprese panzanella: Add chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese to your next panzanella salad and substitute balsamic vinegar for the red wine vinegar.
• Pesto caprese: Swap the balsamic vinegar for a drizzle of pesto (my favorite homemade pesto is made with walnuts because they’re cheaper than pine nuts).

Storing Tomato Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad is best served immediately. If you have any leftovers, wrap them in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container, then store in refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

How long does Caprese Salad last in the fridge?

Caprese Salad can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator but is best enjoyed as soon as possible. The salad may get watery over time, and the black peppercorns may stain the mozzarella cheese.

What to Serve with Caprese Salad

Caprese salad can be a stand-alone entree for a lunch or light meal, served only with crusty bread.

However, it is most often offered as a light, appealing side dish that complements many other dishes.

• Chicken: chicken parmesan meatballs, chicken piccata, chicken kabobs, or chicken marsala
• Beef: grilled ribeye, steak kabobs, spaghetti and meatballs, or beef ragu
• Seafood: shrimp scampi, baked cod, halibut with peppers and olives, or baked salmon filets
• Vegetarian: eggplant parmesan, baked ziti, mushroom risotto, or pesto cavatappi

Once you choose your main dish, add more sides to round out the menu.