Let’s be honest—Caprese Salad is basically what happens when a tomato, a ball of fresh mozzarella, and a sprig of basil decide to put on their Sunday best. It’s the dish I pull out when I want to look like I’ve made an effort without actually doing much—because slicing things and drizzling olive oil totally counts as cooking, right?
The first time I had the real-deal Caprese Salad in Italy, it was served with zero fuss, no balsamic glaze, and about a gallon of pride. That’s when I realized: the secret to the best Caprese Salad isn’t fancy tricks—it’s just ridiculously fresh ingredients and not screwing them up. This easy Caprese Salad recipe sticks to the classic formula: creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and a tiny bit of seasoning. That’s it. Pure, unfiltered summer.
Whether you’re making a quick Caprese salad appetizer or just need an excuse to eat a whole ball of cheese by yourself, this one’s got your back.
Classic Caprese Salad
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large serving plate
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese buffalo or whole milk, sliced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes like heirloom or beefsteak
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the Tomatoes: Rinse the tomatoes under cold water and dry them with a clean kitchen towel.4 large ripe tomatoes
- Slice the Tomatoes: Use a sharp knife to cut the tomatoes into slices about ¼ inch thick.
- Salt the Tomatoes: Lay the slices out on a cutting board or plate and sprinkle them with a little salt. Let them sit while you prep the rest to bring out their flavor.Salt
- Slice the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella into slices about the same thickness as the tomatoes. If it's packed in water or brine, drain it first.1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese
- Dry the Mozzarella: Pat the slices with paper towels to soak up any extra moisture. Trust us—soggy salad is a mood killer.
- Prep the Basil: Gently rinse and dry the basil leaves. Handle with care—they’re fragile and fabulous.1 handful fresh basil leaves
- Assemble the Salad: On a large serving plate, layer the tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil, alternating them in a circle or line for a nice visual vibe.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Pour the olive oil evenly over everything like you're adding a finishing touch to a masterpiece.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Season Like a Pro: Sprinkle with dried oregano, a bit of black pepper, and a little more salt if needed.1 teaspoon dried oregano, Black pepper
- Serve and Enjoy: Bring it to the table and let the colors and flavors do all the talking. Bonus points if you serve it with crusty bread or crostini.
Caprese Salad Like a Pro (Because You’re Better Than a Sad Grocery Store Tomato)
So you’ve decided to make Caprese Salad—congrats on choosing the easiest “impress everyone” dish known to mankind. Here’s the insider scoop from someone who’s been down this tomato-basil-cheese road more times than they’d like to admit.
🍅 Your tomatoes matter. A lot.
If your tomatoes taste like water, so will your salad. Use ripe, in-season ones—heirloom, beefsteak, even Caprese Salad cherry tomatoes if you’re feeling cute and bite-sized. Just don’t grab those pale, mealy ones from the discount bin and expect magic.
🧀 Mozzarella: the fresher, the better.
This isn’t the time for pre-shredded sadness. Go for fresh mozzarella—bonus points if it’s buffalo mozzarella (fancy!) or fior di latte. And yes, you need to drain it and pat it dry. Nobody wants a puddle on their plate.
🌿 Basil is not a garnish, it’s a lifestyle.
Tear the leaves, don’t chop them. We’re going for rustic Italian charm, not sad wilted bits. Got extra? Boom—basil salad the next day.
🫒 Don’t overthink the oil. But don’t be cheap either.
This is when that bottle of extra virgin olive oil you’re saving for “special occasions” earns its moment. Drizzle like you mean it.
🧂 Salt first, always.
Salt the tomatoes right after slicing. It makes them sweat a little, but in a good way. The flavor intensifies. Science, but sexy.
✨ Want to be fancy? Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Not traditional, but it makes people go “Ooooh” and that’s what we’re here for, right? Try it if you want that balsamic glaze moment without committing to full fusion.
🍞 Optional but encouraged: serve with bread.
Crusty bread, crostini, or a whole loaf you rip apart with your hands—we’re not judging. This isn’t just a salad, it’s a lifestyle.
