Caprese Tomatoes

Caprese Tomatoes is a fresh, light, and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Italian simplicity. Sliced ripe tomatoes are arranged with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. To finish, a sprinkle of sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a touch of balsamic glaze or reduction elevate the flavors. The result is a bright, refreshing combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, making it the perfect appetizer or side dish.

The first time I made Caprese Tomatoes, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a vibrant and satisfying dish. The sweetness of the tomatoes paired with the creaminess of the mozzarella and the fragrance of fresh basil is absolutely timeless. What I love most about this dish is its versatility—it can be served as a starter, alongside grilled meats, or even as a light, stand-alone meal. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the top or sprinkle with some pine nuts or olives. The balance of flavors in Caprese Tomatoes is a true celebration of summer produce!

Perfect for:

Summer gatherings
Light appetizers
Picnics
Family meals
Tomato and cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Caprese Tomatoes will become your go-to dish:

Simple, Fresh Ingredients: The flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil shine through without being overcomplicated.
Quick and Easy: This recipe requires no cooking, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Vibrant Colors: The red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil create a visually stunning presentation.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is a match made in heaven.
Perfectly Balanced: A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze adds just the right amount of richness and tang.
Light and Refreshing: Ideal for hot summer days when you want something light but satisfying.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Great for Meal Prep: Prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge for a refreshing side dish.
Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, this dish is both delicious and good for you.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that appeals to almost everyone, from kids to adults.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Caprese Salad:

4 medium ripe tomatoes
1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese
1 handful fresh basil leaves

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy, soft, and mild, this cheese is the perfect counterpart to the tomatoes.
Basil Leaves: Aromatic and slightly peppery, basil adds a fresh burst of flavor to the dish.
Balsamic Glaze: Adds a tangy, sweet contrast to the savory elements of the tomatoes and cheese.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in flavor and healthy fats, this oil brings all the components together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Assemble the Caprese Tomatoes:

Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds and arrange them on a serving platter.
Slice the Mozzarella: Cut the fresh mozzarella into ¼-inch thick slices and layer them between the tomato slices.
Add Basil: Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices.

Prepare the Dressing:

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

Drizzle with Dressing: Generously drizzle the dressing over the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Caprese Tomatoes:

As a Starter: Serve as a light appetizer before your main meal.
With Grilled Bread: Pair with slices of toasted baguette for a more substantial dish.
At a Picnic: A refreshing side dish for a day out in the sun.
With Pasta: Serve alongside pasta for a perfect Italian meal.
For a Light Lunch: Pair with a green salad for a quick and healthy lunch.
On a Charcuterie Board: Add to a cheese and charcuterie board for variety.
With Grilled Meats: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
As a Side to Pizza: Serve with pizza for a fresh contrast to the savory dish.
For Entertaining: Serve as part of a spread for entertaining guests.
As a Snack: Enjoy it as a light, healthy snack throughout the day.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh, Ripe Tomatoes – Choose tomatoes that are ripe and in-season for the best flavor and texture. Heirloom tomatoes work particularly well.
Go for Buffalo Mozzarella – For a richer, creamier texture, try buffalo mozzarella instead of regular cow’s milk mozzarella.
Add a Balsamic Glaze – Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet and tangy contrast that enhances the flavors.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt – A little sprinkle of sea salt brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the acidity.
Experiment with Herbs – Try adding fresh basil, oregano, or even a little mint for a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile.
Chill the Tomatoes – Let your tomatoes chill in the fridge for an hour before serving. This enhances the juiciness and makes them more refreshing.
Use Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Opt for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, flavorful base that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Add Fresh Pepper – A grind of fresh black pepper can add a touch of spice and complexity to your Caprese salad.
Try a Toasted Baguette – Serve the Caprese on top of lightly toasted baguette slices to add crunch and make it more filling.
Serve as Skewers – For a fun presentation, skewer the tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves onto wooden sticks for bite-sized portions.

Recipe Variations

Caprese with Avocado: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and a twist on the classic.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: Replace the balsamic glaze with a balsamic vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper flavor, use roasted tomatoes instead of fresh.
Caprese Skewers: Make bite-sized skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil for an easy-to-serve version.
Vegan Caprese: Use vegan mozzarella cheese for a dairy-free version.
Pesto Caprese: Drizzle with fresh pesto instead of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Spicy Caprese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Caprese with Prosciutto: Add thin slices of prosciutto for a savory touch.
Caprese Salad with Quinoa: Add cooked quinoa to make it a more substantial dish.
Caprese with Grilled Peppers: Add roasted or grilled bell peppers for added sweetness and depth.

Special Equipment

Sharp Knife: For cleanly slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella.
Serving Platter: For arranging the slices beautifully.
Small Whisk or Fork: For whisking the dressing together.
Tongs or Salad Servers: To serve the salad with ease.

FAQ Section

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
Yes, cherry tomatoes work well and can be used whole or halved.
How long will Caprese Tomatoes last in the fridge?
It’s best served fresh, but can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil provides the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, dried basil can be used sparingly.
Can I make Caprese Tomatoes in advance?
While it’s best served immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble it just before serving.
What’s the best way to slice mozzarella?
Use a sharp knife and slice the mozzarella into even rounds for the best presentation.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, try adding cucumber, zucchini, or arugula for a different twist.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different cheese?
If you prefer, you can use burrata or ricotta instead of mozzarella.
Is it necessary to use balsamic glaze?
Balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tang, but you can substitute with balsamic vinegar or skip it entirely.
What kind of tomatoes are best for Caprese?
Heirloom, Roma, or vine-ripened tomatoes are the best options.

Conclusion

Caprese Tomatoes are a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the freshness of ripe tomatoes, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the fragrant flavors of basil, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. This classic Italian dish is perfect as an appetizer, a light salad, or even as a refreshing side dish for any meal. The combination of sweet, juicy tomatoes with the smooth mozzarella and aromatic basil creates a delightful balance of flavors that are both satisfying and refreshing.

What makes Caprese Tomatoes so special is their simplicity—the ingredients shine on their own, yet come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. You can garnish with a pinch of sea salt, a grind of black pepper, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an added layer of flavor. Whether served at a summer gathering or enjoyed on a quiet evening, this dish is a timeless favorite.

I can’t wait to see how your Caprese Tomatoes turn out! Be sure to snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your beautiful creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you made this dish your own—I’d love to hear all about your twist!