Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Basil Bliss
A quick and easy fresh Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for any occasion, this vibrant salad captures the essence of summer with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe tomatoes (preferably vine-ripened Roma or heirloom)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (ball or log form, torn or sliced; buffalo mozzarella recommended)
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, gently torn
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (fruity, cold-pressed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves gently to prevent sogginess.
- Slice tomatoes into roughly 1/4-inch (6mm) thick rounds, keeping slices uniform for even layering.
- Slice or tear the mozzarella into similar thickness as the tomatoes or bite-sized pieces.
- Tear basil leaves into halves or thirds to preserve aroma and texture.
- Arrange on a large serving plate by alternating layers of tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves, overlapping for a visually appealing pattern.
- Lightly sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the layered salad.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad, followed by balsamic vinegar. Optionally, mix oil and vinegar before drizzling.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld, then serve immediately.
Notes
Use ripe but firm tomatoes to avoid mushiness. Bring mozzarella and tomatoes to room temperature before assembling for best flavor. Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to preserve aroma. Serve soon after assembling to prevent basil wilting and mozzarella becoming watery. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with sliced avocado or vegan cheese. Optionally add chili flakes or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad (ap
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 13
Keywords: Caprese salad, fresh basil, mozzarella, tomatoes, easy salad, Italian salad, summer salad, 5-ingredient salad