Layered Caprese Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil arranged in elegant layers with a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing. This Italian-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, pairs Fresh mozzarella, Tomatoes, Fresh basil 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 175 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 175 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls in a single layer in a shallow dish.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 2 cups sliced ripe tomatoes evenly over the mozzarella.
  3. Step 3: Scatter 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar over the salad.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Layered Caprese Salad take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Layered 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 fresh mozzarella from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Layered 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 Layered 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 Layered 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.

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