Caprese Tomato and Mozzarella Stack with Basil Oil
A simple, layered no-cook Italian dish featuring ripe tomato slices and fresh mozzarella drizzled with fragrant basil-infused olive oil. This italian-inspired no cook (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves with 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and blend until smooth and vibrant green, about 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Arrange alternating slices of 3 medium ripe heirloom tomatoes and 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese on a serving plate in stacks about 3 layers high.
- Step 3: Drizzle 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar evenly over the stacked tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Step 4: Spoon the basil oil generously over the stacks, then season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 5: Let the dish rest at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caprese Tomato and Mozzarella Stack with Basil Oil take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caprese Tomato and Mozzarella Stack with Basil Oil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh basil leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caprese Tomato and Mozzarella Stack with Basil Oil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caprese Tomato and Mozzarella Stack with Basil Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Caprese Tomato and Mozzarella Stack with Basil Oil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
