Caprese is a simple Italian salad made with just a few high-quality ingredients: fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil leaves, and olive oil. The colors of the dish mimic the red, white and green of the Italian flag. While caprese has humble beginnings, it has become a beloved appetizer and salad in Italian cuisine and restaurants around the world.
The Origins and History of Caprese Salad
Caprese salad originated on the sunny island of Capri, located off the coast of Naples in southern Italy. The dish was likely created in the 1920s or 1930s as a way to highlight the island’s incredible produce – juicy red tomatoes, fragrant basil, and mozzarella made from the milk of water buffalo.
The exact origins are unclear, but the salad is named after the island and gained popularity in Italian restaurants post-World War II. Italian immigrants brought caprese to America, where it became a menu staple in Italian restaurants and pizzerias. Its refreshing simplicity made it the perfect starter salad before a large Italian meal.
Traditionally, caprese salad is made with just four ingredients to showcase their flavors and textures:
- Sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
- Sliced ripe tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
Good quality and freshness are key when making an authentic caprese salad. The mozzarella should be fresh, milky and mild rather than aged for intense flavor. The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy but still firm. The basil gives the dish its signature Italian flavor. And olive oil, ideally extra virgin for its fruity taste, brings the ingredients together.
How to Make Caprese Salad
Making an excellent caprese salad is easy to do at home with a few tips:
Ingredients
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes for juicy slices. Avoid refrigerating tomatoes which diminishes their flavor.
- Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella, sold in balls packed in water or salted brine. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella which has anti-caking agents.
- Basil: Use fresh whole basil leaves rather than dried basil flakes.
- Olive oil: Splurge on a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Salt and pepper: Lightly season ingredients with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Steps
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- Layer tomato slices and mozzarella slices on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Tear or slice fresh basil leaves and scatter among the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad.
- Add a pinch of salt and twist of freshly cracked black pepper.
Tips
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before assembling for best flavor and texture.
- Alternate placement of tomato and mozzarella slices for a pretty presentation.
- Don’t overdress with oil – a light drizzle is all you need.
- Garnish with fresh ground black pepper for a pop of spice.
- If tomatoes are out of season, use jarred or canned whole peeled tomatoes packed in juice or olive oil.
The Significance of Ingredients in Caprese Salad
Caprese salad celebrates the flavors of Italy with its intentional, quality ingredients:
Tomatoes
Tomatoes originated in South America but were enthusiastically embraced in Italian cuisine. They grow abundantly in warm Mediterranean climates and are a key ingredient in many Italian dishes. Tomatoes provide the beauty and acidity to balance the rich mozzarella in caprese salad. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes at their seasonal peak for the best flavor. Heirloom tomatoes offer a variety of colors and shapes beyond basic red.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella lends its milky soft texture and mild taste to caprese salad. Italian mozzarella made from the milk of water buffalo has a soft, elastic quality when fresh. Cow’s milk mozzarella is more widely available. Choose fresh mozzarella packed in water or salted brine for authentic flavor and skip pre-shredded types.
Basil
No Italian dish would be complete without fragrant basil. Its peppery flavor and aroma are quintessentially Italian. Use fresh whole basil leaves rather than dried flakes to lend authentic aroma and flavor to caprese. Tear or slice leaves just before assembling the salad to prevent browning.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is essential for bringing caprese salad together. Look for a high quality olive oil with a fruity, peppery taste. The flavor should be robust enough to coat the ingredients without dominating. Drizzle just enough to unify the tomatoes and mozzarella without sogginess.
Balsamic Vinegar
An optional ingredient often included is a drizzle of thick, syrupy balsamic vinegar. Its sweet-tart flavor enhances the tomatoes and mozzarella. Use an authentic aged balsamic vinegar for the best quality.
Popular Variations
While tomato, mozzarella and basil are vital to caprese, the salad welcomes creative variations:
- Add prosciutto or salami – For an appetizer-worthy caprese, add thin slices of cured meat like prosciutto or salami for extra flavor, protein and color contrast.
- Use bocconcini cheese – Small bocconcini mozzarella balls can replace mozzarella slices for a cute presentation.
- Skewer caprese – Thread tomato, mozzarella and basil onto toothpicks or skewers for easy picking and mingling.
- Include arugula – Add peppery arugula leaves for more freshness and bite.
- Switch up herbs – Use herbs like oregano, thyme or parsley in place of or along with basil.
- Add balsamic reduction – For an extra flavor boost, drizzle with thick, syrupy balsamic vinegar reduction.
- Use lemon juice – Lemon juice can replace or complement the vinegar for bright acidity.
- Top with nuts or olives – For crunch, sprinkle with roasted pine nuts, walnuts or olives.
- Switch the cheese – Try burrata or continental mozzarella for a creamy caprese.
How to Serve Caprese Salad
Caprese salad shines in several culinary contexts:
As an Appetizer
Caprese makes for an elegant yet easy appetizer before a special dinner. The portions can be made bite-sized, with grape tomatoes and small mozzarella balls alternated on toothpicks. Offer guests a small plate of caprese to whet their appetites.
As a Side Salad
A caprese salad is a fitting complement to many Italian main dishes. The acidic tomatoes balance rich pastas and meats. Serve a small salad plate alongside dishes like lasagna, ravioli, chicken parmesan, or grilled meats.
As an Entree Salad
For a light lunch, transform caprese into a hearty main dish salad. Increase the amount of tomatoes, mozzarella and greens. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Offer alongside bread, dressing on the side.
On Pizza
Caprese makes a fantastic pizza topping. Arrange sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil leaves over pizza dough brushed with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and a dash of oregano. Caprese pizza can also have a base of pesto sauce.
In a Sandwich
A caprese sandwich makes for a satisfying lunch. Layer mozzarella, tomato, basil and balsamic vinegar between slices of crusty Italian bread. The juices from the tomatoes and cheese act as a moist filling. A quick panini press will nicely melt the mozzarella.
The Nutrition Profile of Caprese
Caprese salad is light yet satisfying, with a nutritious profile:
| Calories | 100 calories per 3.5 oz (100g) serving |
|---|---|
| Carbs | 3 grams per 3.5 oz (100g) serving |
| Protein | 6 grams per 3.5 oz (100g) serving |
| Fat | 8 grams per 3.5 oz (100g) serving |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Vitamin C, calcium |
The fresh ingredients provide valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants without lots of calories, fat, or carbs. The mozzarella offers protein, while the tomatoes provide vitamin C. Overall, it’s a nutritious starter or side.
Buying and Storing Ingredients
To make the best caprese at home, follow these guidelines for buying and storing ingredients:
Tomatoes
- Choose unrefrigerated, unbruised beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes.
- Ripen tomatoes stem-side down at room temp out of direct sunlight.
- Once cut, store tomatoes in the fridge no more than 2-3 days.
Mozzarella
- Buy fresh mozzarella packed in water or brine, not pre-shredded.
- Store fresh mozzarella submerged in brine in the fridge up to a week.
Basil
- Look for vibrant, unwilted fresh basil bunches.
- Store basil stems-down in water on the counter or wrap leaves in a damp paper towel.
- Basil can also be stored stem-down in a jar of water in the fridge.
Olive Oil
- Select a good quality extra virgin olive oil in a dark bottle.
- Store oil away from heat and light which can cause it to spoil.
- Refrigeration can cause olive oil to become cloudy.
Food Safety Tips for Caprese
When handling fresh ingredients like cheese and tomatoes, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Wash hands thoroughly before and during prep.
- Wash tomatoes just before use even if pre-washed.
- Use separate cutting boards and knives for produce and cheese.
- Store leftover caprese covered in the fridge up to 2 days max.
- Discard moldy or overripe tomatoes and spoiled mozzarella.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using dedicated salad tongs.
Conclusion
Caprese salad offers an easy yet elegant way to highlight summer’s ripest tomatoes and fresh basil. While the ingredients are simple, quality is key – seek out excellent olive oil, fresh mozzarella and vibrant tomatoes. Feel free to riff on the classic combo with balsamic vinegar, prosciutto or other ingredients that complement the tomato-basil base. Just be sure to handle ingredients with care and enjoy caprese at its seasonal best.