Tomato-Basil Caprese Salad with Balsamic Drizzle
A vibrant Italian salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, elevated with a simple balsamic reduction. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs large, sliced 1/2-inch thick tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick mozzarella cheese, torn basil leaves 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 350 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
- 2 large, sliced 1/2-inch thick tomatoes
- 8 oz, sliced 1/2-inch thick mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup, torn basil leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange the 2 large sliced tomatoes and 8 oz sliced mozzarella on a platter in alternating layers, overlapping slightly.
- Step 2: Drizzle with 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Top with 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Caprese Salad with Balsamic Drizzle 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 Tomato-Basil Caprese Salad with Balsamic Drizzle?
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 torn basil leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Caprese Salad with Balsamic Drizzle?
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 Tomato-Basil Caprese Salad with Balsamic Drizzle 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 Tomato-Basil Caprese Salad with Balsamic Drizzle?
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
- ★★★★★
Perfect salads recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
