Insalata Caprese (Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad)
Local name: Insalata caprese
In short: Ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil dressed with olive oil and salt. A three-color summer salad from Capri that depends on good ingredients. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 360 kcal
Insalata caprese takes its name from the island of Capri, and its red, white and green colors echo the Italian flag. It is a simple plate that depends on the quality of its three ingredients: ripe summer tomatoes, soft fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil. Add good olive oil and a little salt, and nothing else is needed. Serve it at room temperature, since cold dulls both the tomatoes and the cheese, and eat it with bread to mop up the juices.
Instructions
- Take the tomatoes and mozzarella out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. Never chill ripe tomatoes, as cold dulls their flavor.
- Slice the tomatoes about 1 cm (3/8 inch) thick and the mozzarella slightly thinner. Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in overlapping rows on a platter, tucking a basil leaf between each pair.
- Sprinkle with the salt, drizzle with the olive oil and add pepper, if using. Tear a few more basil leaves over the top.
- Serve right away at room temperature, with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Tips
- Use the best tomatoes you can find, such as ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes in season. In winter, small cherry or vine tomatoes taste better than large pale ones.
- Balsamic vinegar is not part of the classic caprese. If you like it, add just a few drops and use a light hand.
Questions and answers
Is caprese salad served cold?
It is best at room temperature. Cold dulls the flavor of both tomatoes and mozzarella, so take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
Can I use buffalo mozzarella?
Yes, buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) is richer and tangier and is the classic choice. Cow's milk mozzarella, called fior di latte, is milder and cheaper.
Can I make caprese ahead of time?
Slice and arrange it up to 1 hour ahead, covered, at room temperature. Add the salt and oil just before serving, because salt draws out liquid and makes the plate watery.
How long does it take to make Insalata Caprese (Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Insalata Caprese (Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Salad)?
About 360 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 360 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
