This recipe for easy caprese salad is just wonderful for summer! Fresh tomatoes, basil, and soft mozzarella – this is a great salad for a barbecue or picnic.Â
This is one of my favorite summer recipes – easy caprese salad. Simple and elegant, and so easy to put together. This is just the thing to make when you’re short on time, but want to make a dish that everyone will love.
I had this for the first time in Lucca, Italy when I was in grad school, and I will say that fresh Italian tomatoes and cheese take this dish to a different level. But until I get back there, I’ll make caprese salad with local ingredients – it’s still summery and delicious.
If you can’t find the mini buffalo mozzarella rounds, it’s fine to get a large ball of mozzarella and cut it into chunks. If you can’t find the soft, fresh, mozzarella, you can make a variation of this with regular mozzarella cut into cubes. But it isn’t quite the same. Fresh mozzarella is pretty easy to find – you can usually get it from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, and once in a while Costco will carry it.
What is caprese salad?
It’s a salad that originated in Italy, and consists of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and olive oil.
Is caprese salad gluten free?
Yes, since this salad only contains tomatoes, basil, cheese, and olive oil, it is gluten free and grain free.
Is balsamic vinegar gluten free?
Yes, balsamic vinegar is gluten free. You can read more about gluten free vinegar here.
How long can you keep caprese salad in the refrigerator?
Caprese salad should last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best when it’s fresh.
What can I use instead of dairy cheese in this salad?
If you can’t have dairy, you could try this salad with your favorite non-dairy cheese, or just add more vegetables, like cucumbers, peppers, or zucchini. This would also be very pretty with a variety of heirloom tomatoes in different colors.
Tips for making this easy caprese salad:
- assemble the salad immediately before serving
- get the freshest cheese that’s available
- use local tomatoes if possible
- cracked pepper and sea salt are a must!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe
Summer Favorites: Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces grape tomatoes
- 8 ounces buffalo mozzarella You can get the small balls, or if you get the large piece, just cut it into small pieces.
- â…“ cup fresh basil
- 1 ½ Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar optional
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash tomatoes and basil, pat dry. Put in a large salad bowl. Slice in half if desired.
- Drain liquid from cheese and place in bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving suggestion: Sometimes we make little kabobs on skewers, too – we just layer cheese, tomatoes, and basil, and drizzle with the vinegar and olive oil. It’s a fun way to serve this salad, and nice for a party!
And if you’re on a gluten free diet, this is a nice salad that everyone can enjoy, because you’ll never miss the gluten!
This post was originally published in May 2011. It has been updated.
Enjoy!
Claire Bear
how much basil would you recommend putting in the salad? Thanks! I’m totally making this for our friends when they’re in town!!!
Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming
Kelly – This looks simply amazing and perfect for the summer! Thanks for sharing – Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
~Stephanie Lynn
http://www.bystephanielynn.com
BigBearswife
this Caprese Salad looks so fresh and wondeful! yum
Lisa Ridgely
My favorite! I eat constantly for lunch in the summer, and never get tired of it!
OhioMomPatriot
Quick, tasty, no cook! Perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted
This is me and the hubby’s favorite summer salad as well! We just had one the other night but we usually slice big tomatos. I’ll have to try it with the cherry ones. Thanks for sharing!
Heather at Dragonfly Designs
Ah YUM!!! Looks delish! Thanks for sharing ~ please come by and say hi sometime!
Love Sweet Love
Oh my goodness, that looks SO good! I’m not crazy about cooking during the summer, but this is definitely something I could do! Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog!
-Angela
elizabeth
That looks so yummy!
Happybee
Hi! I’m in italy and you’re right…this is really quick and easy and delicious for summer! we eat it sooo often!!!
Shelley (EvenAndy)
That salad looks tasty! Now I want a salad for lunch:)
Kel
oh man, now I want some cheese!!! YUM
Meeling
Yum! I love your photo…the bowl is great!!
We were in Italy last year and there is something so true about Italian tomatoes…there is no comparison, but like you, until we get back there (hopefully sooner than later) I love using farmers market finds…usually the best local flavors.
Clare B
This is one of my favourite salads too – perfect with a big chunk of crusty bread (well, for the gluten lovers anyway)