Classic Caprese Salad
A simple, fresh salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, drizzled with a light balsamic glaze. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs leaves picked fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 400g, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds ripe tomatoes
- 200g, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds fresh mozzarella
- 30g, leaves picked fresh basil
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange 400g sliced ripe tomatoes and 200g sliced fresh mozzarella on a large serving plate in alternating layers.
- Step 2: Scatter 30g fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
- Step 5: Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Caprese Salad 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 Classic Caprese Salad?
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 leaves picked fresh basil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Caprese Salad?
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 Classic Caprese Salad 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.
What goes well with Classic Caprese Salad?
Italian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved this! So fresh and easy to make for dinner parties.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but the mozzarella was a bit salty for my taste.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect as a side, but I wish the balsamic reduction was included in the instructions.
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