Best 4 Classic Caprese Salad Recipes

Are you seeking a delectable and refreshing dish to impress your dinner guests? Craving a light yet flavor-packed meal that celebrates the vibrant colors and tastes of Italy? Look no further than the classic Caprese salad, a culinary masterpiece characterized by its simplicity and irresistible combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Allow us to guide you on a culinary journey as we delve into the realm of this beloved salad, exploring its origins, traditional components, and the secrets to crafting the perfect Caprese experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST CAPRESE SALAD

The Best Caprese Salad image

This classic Italian caprese salad is quintessential summer fare. Serve with a chilled white wine and enjoy in the sunshine or on a balmy summer evening!

Provided by ChefJackie

Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced, or to taste
1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
½ cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving plate, alternating between them. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Cholesterol 72.6 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 748.4 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

CLASSIC CAPRESE SALAD

Classic Caprese Salad image

This classic summer dish doesn't get any simpler or more delicious. Use different-colored heirloom tomatoes for the prettiest salad, and buffalo milk mozzarella for the best tasting one.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories brunch, easy, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 pound fresh, best-quality mozzarella (preferably buffalo milk)
4 medium heirloom tomatoes
1 bunch fresh basil, leaves only, some reserved for garnish
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
Coarsely ground black pepper
High-quality extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

While mozzarella is cold, slice it into 1/4-inch slices. Let it sit, loosely covered, to come to room temperature while you prepare the tomatoes.
Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices, leaving them in a single layer on the cutting board as you go. Sprinkle generously with salt.
On a serving platter, arrange the mozzarella, tomato slices, and whole basil leaves so they overlap slightly. Pour any tomato juices from the cutting board over the dish. Sprinkle again with salt and pepper, and drizzle with plenty of oil. Top with reserved basil, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 262, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 478 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

CAPRESE SALAD

Caprese Salad image

For something fresh and Italian, make Rachael Ray's Caprese Salad recipe from 30 Minute Meals on Food Network; it's filled with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories appetizer

Time 10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

3 vine-ripe tomatoes, 1/4-inch thick slices
1 pound fresh mozzarella, 1/4-inch thick slices
20 to 30 leaves (about 1 bunch) fresh basil
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Coarse salt and pepper

Steps:

Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

CAPRESE SALAD

Caprese Salad image

My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. -Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Arrange the tomatoes, cheese and basil on a serving platter. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients; drizzle over salad. If desired, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 19g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 161mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

Tips:

Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
If you don't have access to fresh mozzarella, you can use a good quality store-bought mozzarella.
To make your own basil pesto, simply combine basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor and blend until smooth.
If you don't have time to make your own basil pesto, you can use a good quality store-bought pesto.
Serve your Caprese salad immediately after assembling it. This will prevent the tomatoes from watering down the salad.

Conclusion:

Caprese salad is a simple, yet delicious salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with just a few fresh ingredients and can be assembled in minutes. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, Caprese salad is a great option.