First, let me just say thank you so much for stopping by! Every time I get to share a recipe with you, it fills my heart with gratitude. Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a classic that’s near and dear to my kitchen: a simple caprese salad recipe that is fresh, vibrant, and seriously life-changing!
There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together most beautifully. If you’ve ever craved something light yet satisfying, something quick yet impressive, this Caprese Salad Recipe is your new best friend. I honestly can’t believe I waited this long to post it because it’s been a staple around here, especially in the summer months when tomatoes and basil are absolutely at their peak!
Let’s get straight to it — you’re going to love how easy (and delicious!) this is!
Ingredients
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1 pint grape tomatoes – cut in half
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8 ounces Mozzarella pearls or cubes
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1 cup fresh basil leaves – torn
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¼ cup olive oil
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1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
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½ teaspoon Kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
How to Make This Super Caprese Salad Recipe
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Prepare the Salad Base
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls (or cubes for a chunkier bite), and the freshly torn basil leaves. Set it aside and admire how pretty it already looks! -
Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk or shake together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until beautifully blended. -
Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything to coat evenly, being careful not to crush the mozzarella. -
Season and Serve
Top it off with a hearty sprinkle of Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss lightly again and serve immediately at room temperature for the ultimate flavor experience!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Caprese Salad Recipe
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Use the Freshest Ingredients: When a recipe is this simple, the quality of each ingredient really shines through. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are a must!
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Tear, Don’t Chop: Tearing basil leaves releases less of the darkening oils, keeping your salad fresher and more aromatic.
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Keep the Dressing Light: Just a thin layer of dressing is all you need to let those vibrant, fresh flavors shine — no soggy salad bowls here!
Substitutions and Variations
Because everyone loves a little twist now and then:
- Switch Up the Tomatoes: Use heirloom or cherry tomatoes if you want an extra burst of color and sweet flavor.
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Different Cheeses: No mozzarella pearls? No problem! Slice a fresh mozzarella ball or even use burrata for a richer, creamier twist.
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Alternative Dressings: Swap balsamic vinegar for a splash of fresh lemon juice if you want a brighter, lighter flavor.
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Add Some Extras: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, a few thin slices of avocado, or a handful of arugula can take this Caprese Salad Recipe to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes are a perfect substitute for grape tomatoes in this Caprese Salad Recipe. They’re juicy, sweet, and add a beautiful burst of color and flavor.
How do you keep Caprese Salad from getting soggy?
The key is to use just enough dressing to coat the ingredients lightly and to serve the salad soon after dressing it. Also, make sure your tomatoes aren’t overly ripe and watery.
Is Caprese Salad healthy?
Yes! Caprese Salad is a wonderfully healthy option. It’s full of fresh vegetables, good fats from olive oil, and protein from the mozzarella, making it a balanced and nutritious dish.
Can I make Caprese Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients (cut the tomatoes, tear the basil, and cube the cheese) a few hours in advance, but it’s best to toss everything with the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be real, is rare because it’s that good!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before eating to bring it back to room temperature.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this fresh and simple Caprese Salad Recipe, you might also love:
And there you have it — a caprese salad recipe that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat! I truly believe that some of the best dishes come from the simplest ingredients, and this salad is a shining example. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a fresh addition to a summer gathering, this recipe is sure to impress without any fuss.
Thank you again for being here and sharing in the joy of good food with me. I hope this Caprese Salad becomes a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. Don’t forget to tag me if you make it — I would love to see your delicious creations!
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How To Make Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Super Simple Caprese Salad Recipe is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor! Made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, it’s the perfect quick and easy dish for any occasion. Light, healthy, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
1 pint grape tomatoes – cut in half
8 ounces mozzarella pearls or cubes
1 cup fresh basil leaves – torn
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine halved grape tomatoes, mozzarella pearls (or cubes), and torn basil leaves.
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In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Top with a hearty sprinkle of Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
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Toss lightly one more time and serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Tear the basil instead of chopping to preserve its aroma and vibrant color.
Keep the dressing light to avoid soggy salad.
Best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Feel free to add toasted pine nuts, avocado slices, or arugula for a delicious twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
- Calories: 288 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg