Easy Caprese Salad
- PREP 10min
- TOTAL 10min
I’m planting my flag and calling Caprese salad the most iconic summer salad! It’s simple to make, calls for the freshest in-season ingredients, and tastes incredible. Salting the tomatoes really makes this salt delicious, so don’t skip that step.
You Will Need
1 pound ripe tomatoes (450g)
4 to 5 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese or burrata
Handful fresh basil leaves
Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
Directions
1Prepare the tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into thin rounds. For a more rustic look, leave some as full circles and cut others into half-moons. If you’re using smaller tomatoes (like cherry or grape), cut them in half or thirds.
2Prepare the cheese: Tear the mozzarella into smaller chunks. If you’re using burrata, keep it whole and break it open just before serving, allowing the creamy center to spill over the salad.
3Prepare the basil: Pick the basil leaves from their stems. Leave small leaves whole, and tear larger ones in half or into quarters.
4Layer the salad: Arrange half of the tomato slices on a serving plate. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil. Tuck some basil leaves and mozzarella pieces among the tomatoes. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, seasoning again with salt and pepper, and layering in more basil and mozzarella.
5Let it rest: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. The salt will draw out the tomato juices, blending with the olive oil to make a naturally delicious dressing.
6Serve: Serve at room temperature, and don’t forget to soak up those flavorful juices with crusty bread. They’re too good to waste!
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing: Caprese salad is best served within an hour or two after making. More than that and the tomatoes will lose some of their texture.
- Tomatoes: We love using a mixture of sizes, colors, and varieties of tomato. Choose smooth skinned, heavy tomatoes that smell sweet and earthy.
- Burrata: Burrata cheese is an excellent substitute to fresh mozzarella and has an almost molten middle of cream. If using burrata, layer the seasoned tomatoes and basil first, then place a ball of burrata right on top of the salad. When it is pierced, the creamy inside will fall over the salad.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.