The Caprese Salad, originating from the sunny shores of Italy’s Capri island, is a symbol of the Mediterranean’s fresh flavors. This dish is as simple as it is delicious, consisting of three main ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Each ingredient mirrors the colors of the Italian flag—red, white, and green—making this salad both a visual and culinary delight. Lina Vexley, a food historian and chef, recalls the first time she tasted Caprese Salad on a trip to Italy, where the flavors seemed to capture the essence of summer in every bite. This timeless dish has since become a favorite across the globe, known for its simplicity and elegance.
Classic Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 3 large Tomatoes sliced
- 1 ball Fresh Mozzarella sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves whole
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella slices alternately on a serving platter, slightly overlapping.
- Place the fresh basil leaves between the slices of tomato and mozzarella.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for a light and healthy appetizer or side dish. Start by slicing the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into even slices, making sure they are about the same thickness. Arrange them alternately in a circular pattern on a large platter or serving plate. You can also line them up in a row, depending on your presentation style.
Next, take the fresh basil leaves and tuck them between the slices of mozzarella and tomato. If you want a more intense flavor, you can also tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and scatter them over the top.
Once the salad is assembled, drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. The olive oil brings richness, while the balsamic vinegar adds a touch of tangy sweetness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring every slice gets a little flavor boost. For an extra touch of flair, you can sprinkle some chili flakes for heat or drizzle a bit of pesto over the top for an added layer of flavor.
This salad is best served immediately after preparation to enjoy the fresh flavors at their peak. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean with every bite.
Conclusion
Caprese Salad is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. With its minimal ingredients, it brings out the best of each component, highlighting the fresh, vibrant flavors of Italy. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. As Lina Vexley often says, “The beauty of Caprese lies in its simplicity—when the ingredients are fresh and well-chosen, the dish speaks for itself.” Enjoy this classic Italian salad as a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and a timeless culinary tradition.