Caprese Salad

Thick slices of ripe tomato and fresh mozzarella layered with basil leaves and finished with olive oil and flaky salt, in the colors of the Italian flag. Serves 4.

Naturally gluten-freeVegetarianKetoLow-carbMediterraneanNo added sugar

Contains: milk. Based on the ingredients as written; check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 10 min
  • Total 10 min
  • Yield 4 servings
  • Level Easy

Updated

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Caprese salad of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil drizzled with olive oil

Insalata caprese comes from the island of Capri, and its red tomatoes, white mozzarella and green basil match the Italian flag. With so few ingredients, each one matters: ripe summer tomatoes, the freshest mozzarella you can find and good olive oil.

It is a perfect starter or side for grilled steak and seafood.

Instructions

  1. Arrange. Alternate overlapping slices of tomato and mozzarella on a platter, tucking basil leaves between them.
  2. Dress. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky salt and pepper.
  3. Serve. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if you like and serve at room temperature.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

430Calories
7 gCarbohydrates
1 gFiber
6 gNet carbs
21 gProtein
35 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

KetoLow-carbGluten-freeVegetarianMediterraneanNo added sugar

Tips

  • Never refrigerate the tomatoes; cold dulls their flavor.
  • Burrata in place of mozzarella makes an even richer salad.

Storage and leftovers

Best eaten right away. Refrigerate leftovers up to 1 day; let them come back to room temperature before eating, or chop them into a pasta salad.

Questions about this recipe

Is balsamic traditional on caprese?
Not in Capri, where it is dressed only with olive oil and salt, but balsamic glaze is a popular addition.
What tomatoes are best?
Ripe summer heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes.

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