Caprese Salad



Hailing from the island of Capri and mirroring the colors of the Italian flag, the simple Caprese salad is the perfect way to start any late-summer meal. It’s one of my favorite ways to show off those juicy, in-season farmers' market tomatoes by complementing them with fresh basil and creamy mozzarella. Though the preparation of this 3-ingredient summer salad is extremely straightforward, keep these top tips in mind: 

How To Make A Caprese Salad

INGREDIENTS

• Mozzarella: For Caprese salad, you want to avoid anything labeled as "low moisture" or aged. These cheeses are closer to string-cheese texture and won't give you the luscious creaminess needed to counteract the acidity of the tomatoes. Secondly, if you can get your hands on it, look for any mozzarella packaged in water or brine, which helps maintain the cheese's flavor and texture. To make slicing a breeze, keep the mozzarella cold until right before you're ready to slice.
• Tomatoes: Since tomatoes are the true star of this dish, it's best to wait until local tomatoes are in season. The growing season can vary depending on where you live, but it's safe to say that in most cases, the best time to make Caprese salad is mid to late summer (into early fall in certain parts of the country). When shopping, look for tomatoes that feel heavy in your hands and show a bit of resistance when pressed (not squeezed!). They should smell a bit earthy and sweet. I love the traditional bright red beefsteak tomatoes, but heirlooms are great too; they can add new dimensions of flavor, not to mention beautiful color. Tip: If you’re looking to ripen unripe tomatoes, keep them in a single layer in a paper bag on your kitchen counter.
• Basil: Fresh basil adds that fresh, herby, slightly peppery flavor to a Caprese salad. When making your salad, top with as many basil leaves as you like.
• Sea Salt: Even the lightest sprinkling of salt on a slice of tomato helps to bring out the sweetness and the natural umami, so don't hold back! I love the texture added by flaky sea salt (like Maldon), but use whatever you've got.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, coarse black pepper will impart a slight floral heat to the salad.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of fruity, extra-virgin olive oil mellows the tomato's acidity. Use your favorite, or checkout our list of the best olive oil brands.
  

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Besides being the picture of freshness, there's another reason why this salad is a summer staple: It is so simple to create. After slicing your tomato and mozzarella, layer them on the plate you'll be using, alternating between mozzarella and tomato slices. Once you've created a design you're happy with (I went with two rows), add as many basil leaves to the top that your heart desires.

Then, you can move on to topping your Caprese salad. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil brings out all of the natural flavors of each of the salad components.

Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe below.

What To Serve With A Caprese Salad

This salad is a beautiful starter or side to countless summer meals, but I especially love it served alongside peach balsamic grilled chicken, skillet eggplant Parm, or grilled tri-tip.

Caprese Salad Variations

Love this salad but looking to switch it up? I've got some options for you:

• Caprese Bites: Looking for a bite-sized party app? Caprese bites give you all the same flavors in one convenient bite.
• Watermelon Caprese: If you can't get enough of watermelon, then swap out the tomatoes for watermelon in this watermelon Caprese.
• Peach & Burrata Caprese: Switch up the tomatoes and mozzarella with creamy burrata and sweet, juicy peaches, topped with candied pecans.