5 from 6 votes
Caprese Salad
This easy Caprese Salad recipe tastes like summer on a plate. Ready in just 7 minutes, this no-cook side dish idea asks for just 3 fresh ingredients and a couple pantry staples. Talk about a no-sweat summer recipe!
Prep Time
7 mins
Total Time
7 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
187 kcal
Course:
Salad, Appetizer
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 medium tomato sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese sliced 1/4-inch thick, fresh
- 1 bunch basil about 20 to 30 leaves, fresh leaves
- olive oil for drizzling
- balsamic vinegar for drizzling, optional (see note 3)
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- On a large shallow platter, arrange alternating layers of tomato and mozzarella slices, adding a basil leaf to each one.
- Drizzle salad with olive oil and balsamic, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Fresh basil: Seek out lively, firm leaves without brownish spots, discolorations, or holes. I swear by my full-blown basil plant, which I bought in the produce section of my grocery store for about the same price as a single package of the herb.
- Fresh mozzarella: Compared to regular, firm mozzarella, fresh mozzarella has a silkier, creamier texture and slightly more salty kick. If you can find fresh mozzarella sold in a liquid brine with a base of whey or water, opt for that; the liquid helps the cheese maintain its hydration during storage. Otherwise, fresh mozzarella sold in shrink-wrapped packaging will do.
- Balsamic vinegar: You may feel that the acidity of the tomatoes is enough, but it's common that Caprese variations are served with balsamic vinegar.
- Yield: My Caprese Salad recipe creates 4 to 6 appetizer or side servings, depending on the appetites of your crew.
- Storage: Caprese Salads are best served immediately. If you have any leftovers, wrap them in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then store in refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Serving
4servings
Calories
187kcal
(9%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
13g
(26%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
(6%)
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Cholesterol
45mg
(15%)
Sodium
359mg
(15%)
Potassium
267mg
(6%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
1256IU
(25%)
Vitamin C
13mg
(14%)
Calcium
298mg
(30%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 187
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4servings | |
| Calories | 187kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 359mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 267mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 1256IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 298mg | 30% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.