If you love fresh and flavorful food that comes together in minutes, you’re going to love Caprese Salad! It’s a classic Italian dish that combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh arugula (or basil) with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Whether you’re making a quick snack or an elegant holiday appetizer, this salad is sure to impress. The best part? No cooking is required!

Method

Arrange the Base

Start by preparing a large serving platter or plate. If you’re using baby arugula or fresh basil, spread it out in a circular “wreath” shape, making sure to create an even base. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures that every bite is filled with the fresh, peppery taste of arugula or the aromatic hint of basil. If you prefer a more traditional look, arrange the basil leaves in small clusters rather than a full wreath.

Add the Stars of the Dish

Next, take your cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. This helps release their natural juices, adding a burst of flavor to every bite. Scatter the halved tomatoes evenly over the arugula or basil, making sure they are well distributed. Now, add the mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini). If they are large, you can slice them in half for easier eating. The creamy mozzarella pairs beautifully with the juicy tomatoes, and their contrasting textures make the salad even more enjoyable.

Drizzle and Season

Once your main ingredients are arranged, it’s time to enhance the flavors with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Use a small spoon or pour lightly from the bottle to ensure an even coating. The olive oil adds a smooth richness, while the balsamic glaze brings a slight tangy sweetness. Be careful not to overdo it—too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Instead, aim for just enough to lightly coat the ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine.

Final Touch

To complete the dish, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky salt over the top. This simple step enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the mozzarella. If you want to take it up a notch, you can also add freshly ground black pepper or a few torn basil leaves for extra freshness. Now, your Caprese Salad is ready to serve!

Serve and Enjoy

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately. You can leave it as is for a light and elegant appetizer or pair it with crusty bread to make it more filling. Either way, this simple yet flavorful dish is guaranteed to impress!

Necessary Tools

A large serving plate or platter
A sharp knife for slicing tomatoes
A small spoon for drizzling oil and balsamic glaze

Caprese Salad: A Simple and Delicious Appetizer

Dmitri Magi

Craving something fresh, simple, and bursting with flavor? Caprese Salad is your answer! This classic Italian salad is a celebration of summer, with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with olive oil. It's the perfect appetizer, side dish, or light lunch. This easy Caprese Salad recipe requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Great for picnics, parties, or just because you deserve a delicious treat. Get ready to experience the magic of simple ingredients done right. Let's make some Caprese Salad!

Calories: 150 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 6g

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Salad

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 oz baby arugula or fresh basil leaves
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
8 oz ciliegine or bocconcini mozzarella balls
Drizzle of olive oil
Drizzle of balsamic glaze
A pinch of flaky salt

Instructions

Arrange the base – Spread the arugula (or basil) on a serving platter in a circular “wreath” shape.
Add the stars of the dish – Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls evenly on top.
Drizzle and season – Lightly drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over everything.
Final touch – Sprinkle with flaky salt to bring out all the flavors.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overdo the dressing – A little olive oil and balsamic glaze go a long way. Too much can make the salad soggy.
Use the freshest ingredients – This dish is all about simplicity, so fresh tomatoes, good-quality mozzarella, and fragrant greens make all the difference.
Slice the tomatoes evenly – This helps with presentation and ensures every bite is balanced.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light appetizer or pair it with crusty bread for a more filling meal.
Add a handful of toasted nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts) for a crunchy twist.
Toss in some avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Enjoy it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced plate.

Fun Fact

Did you know that Caprese Salad is named after the island of Capri in Italy? It’s said that the salad was created to represent the colors of the Italian flag—red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil or arugula)!

Conclusion

Caprese Salad is the perfect dish when you want something fresh, healthy, and quick. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, a summer picnic, or just a snack at home, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, get creative with the ingredients, and enjoy this simple yet elegant Italian classic!