Caprese Cherry Tomato Salad – Authentic Italian Recipe

Yields: 4 portions
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Total: 15 mins

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Italian Caprese Tomato Salad with Mozzarella

This Caprese Cherry Tomato Salad or if you prefer Italian Insalata Caprese (from Capri), is a very simple side dish consisting of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a handful of fragrant basil seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. If you don’t want to keep with the original recipe there are many twists to serve how you feel like it suits your appetite.

This side dish can quickly turn into a meal by serving it next to our Peri Peri Chicken or even as a topping on our Focaccia Barese or Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe.

If you want to serve it as an entree then slice some cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, and drizzle olive oil and the spices on a platter. Finally don’t forget to decorate with a handful of basil leaves. I feel that for platters the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls work better as can be eaten in a single byte especially if your guests are eating standing.

This recipe also features the famous Tricolori: red, white, and green are the colors of the Italian flag.

What is Caprese Salad?

Origin of Caprese Salad

The Caprese Salad originates from Capri, an Italian island off the coast of Naples. In fact, Caprese means “from Capri” and so “Insalata Caprese” literally means “the salad from Capri”. Though it originates from Capri this is a classic Italian appetizer, salad, and side that is popular throughout the whole Italian peninsula.

What tomatoes are best for Caprese?

Unlike the traditional recipe, we do make an exception and choose the cherry tomatoes over large tomato slices. In this case, I suggest Pachino, Cherry, or Date tomatoes. But feel free to choose the larger ripe and crunchy “Cuore di Bue” tomatoes.

Is Caprese salad healthy?

This salad with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes is a balanced and nutritious meal having:

Ingredients

You only need some ingredients to do this recipe!

Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes, date tomatoes, cuor di bue tomatoes, or anything that works for you. The important thing is that the tomatoes are fresh and flavorsome.

Mozzarella. Finest quality mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte

Basil. A handful of fresh basil leaves

Spices. Dried oregano. Salt & Pepper

Olive oil. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (finest quality)

Choosing the right ingredients is really important in most Italian classic recipes. Avoid a mozzarella that loses too much milk, and tomatoes that are too ripe, and choose low-quality oils.

How to Make the Best Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Salad

Making this salad is easy peasy!

STEP 1 – PREPARE THE TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA

• Wash and dry up everything. If you’re not choosing cherry tomatoes cut pieces of 6-7 mm with an appropriate knife
• Place on a wooden board and cover lightly with salt.
• Cut the mozzarella into 6 – 7 mm pieces and dry with a cotton cloth to absorb the water

STEP 2 – PREPARE THE HERBS AND SPICES

• In a dish or plate, alternate tomatoes and mozzarella and add some basil leaves.
• Sprinkle the dried oregano and optionally some pepper. Add a few other basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil
• Serve and taste immediately. Enjoy!

More Easy Italian Recipes

• Tomato Bruschetta with Garlic and Basil
• Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe
• Focaccia Barese
• Neapolitan Pizza Recipe