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Caprese Salad

Arrange ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with olive oil for a simple Caprese salad that lets a few good ingredients shine.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
0 min
Total time
15 min
Servings
4
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Vegetarian
Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and olive oil.
Photo: Rainer Zenz · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0. Serving suggestion.

Choose tomatoes that smell ripe and feel heavy for their size; their flavor carries this salad. Fresh mozzarella should be drained so it does not dilute the dressing. Slice both ingredients to a similar thickness for balanced bites. Dress the platter shortly before serving, because salt draws liquid from tomatoes as they sit.

Let’s make it

Caprese Salad

Serves 4 · Prep 15 min · Cook 0 min · Total 15 min

Ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Wash and dry the tomatoes. Remove their cores and cut into 1/4-inch (6 mm) slices with a sharp knife, keeping the slices intact.
  2. Pat the drained mozzarella gently with paper towels, then cut into similarly thick slices. Arrange tomatoes and cheese in overlapping rows on a broad serving platter.
  3. Tuck the basil leaves between the slices, tearing larger leaves so their flavor is distributed. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
  4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper immediately before serving. Spoon any juices from the platter over individual portions, and serve while the basil is fresh and the tomatoes remain firm.

A few kitchen notes

  • Use a wide platter so the slices are dressed evenly.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Use halved cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls in the same weights.

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for 1 day. The salad will release more liquid and the basil may darken.

What to serve with it

Serve with crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a simple pasta dish.

A conversation around the table

Comments & kitchen questions

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Questions from the kitchen

Can I make Caprese Salad ahead?

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for 1 day. The salad will release more liquid and the basil may darken.

What if I can’t find an ingredient?

Use halved cherry tomatoes and small mozzarella balls in the same weights.

Keep a little inspiration handy

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