The Italian Caprese salad is a classic summer dish—simple, delicious, and effortlessly elegant. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and requires just three basic ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. However, what truly elevates this dish is the quality and type of ingredients you choose. Each component plays a crucial role, and even slight variations can change the flavor and presentation dramatically.

Let’s start with mozzarella. There are several types available, each with its own texture and taste. Some popular varieties include mozzarella di bufala (made from water buffalo milk), fior di latte (made from cow’s milk), ciliegine (small cherry-sized balls), and mozzarella logs, which can be sliced easily. Choosing between these depends largely on your personal preference. For instance, mozzarella di bufala is creamier and has a stronger flavor, while ciliegine offers a milder, fresher bite.

The tomatoes you use are just as important. There’s a wide variety to choose from—Roma, Celebrity, Cherry, Super Sweet 100, and many more. Some people prefer thick slices of large tomatoes like the Celebrity, while others, like me, enjoy the juicy and slightly sweet taste of Cherry tomatoes. My personal favorite combination includes Cherry tomatoes paired with ciliegine mozzarella and a few fresh leaves of Italian basil.

Speaking of basil, even this humble herb comes in different varieties. My go-to is Sweet Genovese basil, which not only complements Caprese salad perfectly but also forms the base of the classic Genovese pesto (more on that in my next post!).

Lastly, presentation adds the final touch. The traditional method is to layer the ingredients on a plate in alternating colors. However, there are creative twists. For example, my daughter once prepared an Italian Caprese skewers for an appetizer—they turned out adorable and fun to eat. My mother-in-law, on the other hand, prefers to toss everything into a large bowl, making it a refreshing and satisfying main course during Italy’s hot summer days, where temperatures often exceed 100°F. In any form, Italian Caprese salad is a perfect quick, healthy, and delicious option.

Italian Caprese Salad

Recipe by RobertaCourse: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

people

Prep time

10

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

A simple, fresh, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 3  Tomatoes
  

• 250 g Fresh Mozzarella sliced
  

• 2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  

• 10 Fresh Basil Leaves 
  

• 1 tsp Oregano

• Salt and Pepper

Directions

• Wash the tomatoes and slice them thickly.
  
• Arrange the mozzarella slices between the tomato slices, creating a red-and-white pattern.
  
• Top with fresh basil leaves.
  
• Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve.