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Refreshing, full of bold flavors, and extremely satisfying, this easy recipe for Caprese Salad is perfect for those warmer months when you’re craving something fresh and delicious. Made with tender mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and finished with a drizzle of tangy, yet sweet balsamic glaze, this classic well-rounded salad is ready within minutes!

Top view of caprese salad on plate with balsamic drizzle and basil
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Juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella create the perfect duo of flavors, especially when paired with a robust and rich extra virgin olive oil. These simple ingredients are layered with fresh basil and a perfect balsamic glaze and balance out this Italian-based salad.

Ready within minutes and perfect for as an appetizer before lunch or dinner, this recipe for Caprese salad is the perfect option for summer BBQs, pool parties, luncheons, and so much more. Healthy, gluten-free, and naturally vegetarian, this fresh salad is great for when you are looking for a wholesome and nutritious appetizer or side dish.

Why You Will Love This simple Salad Recipe

  • Easy to make: This Caprese salad is so easy to make and simple to throw together on a warm or busy day. With just a few simple steps and a small amount of your time, you will have a perfect salad recipe that embodies both summer and simplicity.
  • Full of flavor: Made with a group of fresh ingredients that accompany each other well, this recipe for Caprese salad is refreshing and full of delicate flavors all thanks to the ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and subtle mozzarella.
  • Healthy: Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and low carb with a keto option, this Caprese salad recipe is the perfect option for when you are looking for something to indulge in.
Fresh caprese salad with basil and balsamic drizzle on plate

Ingredients Needed to Make This caprese Salad

This is just a list of ingredients needs to make this caprese salad. Full measurements are listed further down below.

tomatoes, ripe and sliced
mozzarella, fresh and sliced
fresh basil leaves, picked
extra virgin olive oil
kosher salt
black pepper
balsamic glaze

Salt, pepper, balsamic glaze, basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella for caprese salad recipe

How to Make This Easy Recipe for Caprese Salad

  • Prepare the ingredients: First, with a knife, carefully cut the tomatoes and mozzarella.
  • Layer the salad: Next, layer the Caprese salad with one slice of tomato and basil leaves followed by a slice of mozzarella. Repeat.
  • Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Sliced tomatoes next to basil for caprese salad
Caprese salad on plate

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • If not serving the Caprese salad immediately, then place it in the refrigerator.
  • Make sure the tomatoes are juicy and ripe. Not too soft and not too hard.
  • To make this keto, make sure to use a sugar-free balsamic glaze or make your own.
  • Make sure the mozzarella is fresh and high quality. You may even find some already sliced mozzarella to save on prep time.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • You may also add a dab of pesto in between the layers if you love the taste of pesto.
Close image of caprese salad on plate with balsamic drizzle

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes something Caprese?

For something to be considered Caprese, it has to contain olive oil, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil.

Why is it called Caprese salad?

This salad is known as “Caprese salad” because it consists of the main ingredients for Italian Caprese salad. Some people think it is called Caprese because it could have been created on the island of Capri.

Is Caprese salad unhealthy?

We do not think this salad is unhealthy! It’s filled with fresh produce and naturally low carb. Fresh Mozzarella is in fact one of the healthier cheeses out there thats low in calories and sodium compared to other cheeses. They also have probiotics which is essential for gut health

Caprese salad on plate with balsamic drizzle and basil leaves

what to serve with caprese salad

This Caprese salad would pair well with many main courses and they are just perfect to enjoy as an appetizer. Here are a few recipes you can serve Caprese with:

top view caprese salad on a plate

Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Pasta Salad

Easy Greek Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Lemon Dill Salmon Skewers

Top view of caprese salad on plate with balsamic drizzle and basil

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Caprese Salad

By: Rena
Servings: 6 people
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Close image of caprese salad on plate with balsamic drizzle
Refreshing, full of bold flavors, and extremely satisfying, this easy recipe for Caprese Salad is perfect for those warmer months when you're craving something fresh and delicious. Made with tender mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and finished with a drizzle of tangy, yet sweet balsamic glaze, this classic well-rounded salad that is ready within minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds tomatoes, ripe & sliced
  • 1 pound mozzarella, fresh & sliced
  • 1 bunch basil leaves, fresh & picked
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, or to taste

Instructions

  • Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4” thick slices.
  • Layer the Caprese salad as followed: one slice of tomato, a few basil leaves, followed by a slice of mozzarella.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle with oil and balsamic glaze.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • If not serving the Caprese salad immediately, then place it in the refrigerator.
  • Make sure the tomatoes are juicy and ripe. Not too soft and not too hard.
  • To make this keto, make sure to use a sugar-free balsamic glaze or make your own.
  • Make sure the mozzarella is fresh and high quality. You may even find some already sliced mozzarella to save on prep time.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • You may also add a dab of pesto in between the layers if you love the taste of pesto

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 18gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 674mgPotassium: 331mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1526IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 396mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Vegetarian
Cuisine: American, Italian
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

About Rena Awada

Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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5 from 1 vote

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