Caprese Salad (a.k.a Insalata Caprese) is one of the tastiest and easiest salads you’ll ever make. Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, plus robust olive oil and a pinch of salt is all you need to make this stunning salad recipe, boasting the colors of the Italian flag.
“Caprese” literally translates to “from Capri,” a small island located in a small part of the Mediterranean sea just off the coast of southern Italy near Naples. As with many Italian dishes, though, further details on the exact history of Caprese salad is less clear.
Variants
Variations of the salad may include italian dressing or pesto in place of olive oil, or balsamic vinegar in addition to it. Oregano, olives may appear, along with arugula (rocket) to augment the basil. Buffalo mozzarella can be substituted for mozzarella to intensify.
Originating from the sunny shores of the Mediterranean, Caprese Salad has earned its place as a beloved classic on tables around the world.
Serving Caprese Salad
The salad is perfect as an appetizer, but you can serve it as a single whole dish. It’s ideal during hot summer days for its freshness. Especially if you don’t feel like cooking! Caprese salad is refreshing, light and nutritious. A perfect Italian dish to eat on the beach by the sea or during a picnic in the countryside.
The salad is a staple of Neapolitan cuisine. In fact in Campania, they consider mozzarella the “white gold” of this land. Its taste and texture make this product famous and imitated all over the world. Even the tomatoes from Campania, ripened in the southern sun, really have an unmistakable flavor!
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 300 grams 10 ounces fresh mozzarella (10 ounce)
- 600 grams 1½ pounds assorted heirloom tomatoes (11/2 pound)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- With a sharp knife, cut the mozzarella into ½-inch-thick slices, and transfer the pieces to a serving platter.
- Cut the tomatoes into varying shapes and sizes and pile them decoratively over the mozzarella.
- Tear the basil leaves over the salad. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, sprinkle with salt, to taste and serve. Buon appetito!
