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Caprese Salad

Updated July 30, 2025 / By Holly Erickson

This classic caprese salad recipe is made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil. Finish it with a tangy balsamic glaze, and enjoy the most perfect Italian summer salad.

homemade caprese salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic

Caprese salad, made with the ripest sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese slices layered together, is hands-down my favorite summer salad. Flakey salt and a tangy balsamic glaze is my favorite way to finish the dish, but if you need even easier prep, just drizzle the salad with a little balsamic vinegar. 

a simple caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze

Over the years, my love for caprese salads has inspired me to create so many recipes, like a hearty Caprese Sandwich, a slightly sweet Peach Caprese Salad, even chicken caprese and grilled pork caprese. But when tomatoes are at their peak, I make this classic Italian salad on repeat, because it comes together fast, it goes with everything, and everyone loves it. 

balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, salt & pepper in prep bowls

Caprese Ingredients 

  • Tomatoes. You can use cherry tomatoes, or big, colorful heirloom tomatoes, or a mix of both. To find the best tomatoes, look for tomatoes without bruising or splitting. Sniff and hold the tomatoes. A really ripe tomato will be fragrant, especially near where the stem was, and will be heavy for its size, which is an indication of juiciness.
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese: Slice the mozzarella to about the same thickness as you slice the tomatoes so you can layer them evenly on the dish. 
  • Basil: Whether it’s fresh from your garden, or fresh from the store, look for basil that’s glossy, perky, and bright green. 
  • Salt: Salt brings the tomatoes and mozzarella to life! Both are delicious on their own, of course, but the salt really shines here. Use a high-quality flaky sea salt, like Maldon, if you can. 
  • Balsamic glaze. This is completely optional, but I love the sweet tang that it adds to the finished salad. You can make it yourself, or buy it. 
balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and garlic in a small sauce pan
homemade balsamic glaze in a bowl with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.

Caprese Salad, In 5 Easy Steps

  1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into evenly sized rounds.
  2. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a platter, alternating tomato slices and mozzarella slices to make for a lovely, colorful, composed salad.
  3. Tuck the basil in between the slices.
  4. Time for the flakey salt!
  5. Drizzle with balsamic dressing if you’re using it, or simply a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
a simple caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil

Essential Tips for the Best Results  

  • Take mozzarella out of the fridge 30 minutes before you make the salad. Room temperature mozzarella will be a little more flavorful and the texture is better, too.
  • Truly ripe tomatoes can only be stored in the fridge for a few days, and the sooner you eat them the better.
  • Slice the tomatoes cold with a very very sharp knife.
  • But, bring the sliced tomatoes to room temperature before serving (20-30 minutes should do it), so their sweet flavor can shine. 
  • Buy the very best heirloom tomatoes you can find, the farmers market is usually the best place for finding delicious, colorful varieties. 
homemade caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil and heirloom tomatoes drizzled in a balsamic vinegar glaze

How To Serve + Variations

  • A Caprese sandwich is my favorite way to take the flavors of a caprese salad on the go for a beach day or picnic.
  • If you’re a purist (or it’s too hot to turn on the stove), skip the balsamic glaze and dress your Caprese salad with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt.
  • Serve Caprese salad as a light summer dinner with good bread (or homemade sourdough!) and a green salad.
  • Or serve it as a Summer Side Dishwith most any summer dinners. It goes with almost everything!  
a simple caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze

Hungry For More?

For more recipe inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest or order our cookbook. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using #themodernproper. Happy cooking!
 

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Caprese Salad Recipe

  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  10 min
  • Cook Time:  0 min
  • Calories:  283
Print Recipe

Description

This classic caprese salad recipe is made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil. Finish it with a tangy balsamic glaze, and enjoy the most perfect Italian summer salad.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced, torn, or cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ pounds ripe tomatoes, sliced, or cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
  • Flaky salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Balsamic reduction

  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Method

  1. On a large serving platter, arrange the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves, alternating and overlapping as desired.

    balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, olive oil, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, salt & pepper in prep bowls
  2. Make the balsamic reduction. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has reduced by half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes. 

    balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and garlic in a small sauce pan
  3. Make the salad dressing. Transfer the balsamic reduction to a jar with a tight fitting lid. Add the garlic and pour in the olive oil. Seal the lid and shake until the dressing is emulsified. Alternatively, transfer the balsamic reduction to a bowl and whisk in the olive oil and garlic until emulsified. 

    homemade balsamic glaze in a bowl with balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and garlic.
  4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Season with the flaky salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. 

    a simple caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze

Notes

The balsamic reduction can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 283
  • Protein 12 g
  • Carbohydrates 14 g
  • Total Fat 21 g
  • Dietary Fiber 2 g
  • Cholesterol 36 mg
  • Sodium 298 mg
  • Total Sugars 11 g

Caprese Salad

Questions & Reviews

Rated 5 stars by 3 readers

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    Any questions?

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  • Abby

    5-star rating

    This was so delicious and easy! The balsamic glaze was surprisingly simple to make and tasted incredible. Will definitely be making this again!

    Thanks Abby, so glad you enjoyed it!

  • Jenn

    5-star rating

    Equally beautiful and delicious! Everyone loved it!

    Yay, that is great to hear! Thank you!