What is a Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad (insalata caprese in Italian) is a super simple Italian salad originating in Capri, an island in the Campania region of Southern Italy. This salad consists of just four main ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese (traditionally buffalo mozzarella), fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. These ingredients are sliced, layered in an alternating pattern, and then served immediately.

What does “caprese” mean?

The word “Caprese” in Italian literally means “of Capri” or “from Capri,” a picturesque island in the Bay of Naples where the salad originated. The salad was reportedly invented in the 1920s, with various stories saying it was created by local restaurateurs who designed the dish to showcase the colors of the Italian flag and celebrate the abundance of fresh produce in the Campania region.

Did Hotel Quisisana invent Caprese Salad?

Perhaps. Some origin stories say that Caprese Salad originated in Capri’s iconic Hotel Quisisana, where the dish gained early popularity with American tourists in the 1950s.

What kind of Mozzarella is best for Caprese Salad?

Fresh mozzarella is a must. We want the soft texture and delicate, milky flavor of fresh mozzarella for Caprese Salad. The gold standard is Mozarella di Bufala or buffalo mozzarella.

Should I put Balsamic Vinegar on Caprese Salad?

Totally preference. Finishing a caprese salad with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar is probably the most common variation of Caprese Salad. However, that being said, authentic Italian Caprese salad does not include balsamic vinegar – just extra virgin olive oil.

How To Make A Classic Caprese Salad (Easy Recipe)

Name: Classic Caprese Salad (Easy Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 heirloom tomatoes; 1 lb. fresh mozzarella; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; Flaky Sea Salt; Coarse Black Pepper; Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Parmesan Cheese, for grating

Classic Caprese Salad (Easy Recipe)

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Author: Living the Gourmet
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4-6 1x
Category: Salads
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Units Scale

3 heirloom tomatoes
1 lb. fresh mozzarella
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Flaky Sea Salt
Coarse Black Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Parmesan Cheese, for grating

Instructions

Slice the tomatoes, sprinkle with a little salt, and pat dry with a paper towel.
Because I prefer thinly sliced tomatoes, I layer two slices of tomatoes, followed by a slice of mozzarella, and then the basil leaves on the platter.
Sprinkle the platter with some flaky salt, fresh cracked black pepper, a generous drizzle of good-quality olive oil, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately at room temperature. Do not refrigerate, as cold temperatures mute the tomato flavor and wilt the basil.

Find it online: https://livingthegourmet.com/2026/07/classic-caprese-salad.html