Mediterranean Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Caprese Salad
A simple Italian salad representing the colors of the Italian flag.
Contains common allergens
In the app, Listahan checks these against your household automatically.
Good to know
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Matched from this dish's own ingredients and timing. Browse more: 30-minute meals
Instructions
6 steps- 1
Wash and core the tomatoes, then slice them horizontally into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- 2
Slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds of similar thickness to the tomatoes.
- 3
On a large serving platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating, slightly overlapping pattern (like shingles).
- 4
Tuck whole or slightly torn fresh basil leaves between the slices of tomato and mozzarella.
- 5
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the entire arrangement.
- 6
Drizzle the balsamic glaze in a decorative zig-zag pattern over the top, then finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
80/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving430
Calories
25 g
Protein
3 g
Carbs
35 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Caprese salad comes from the island of Capri and is said to echo the red, white, and green of the Italian flag with its tomato, mozzarella, and basil. It is the purest expression of Italian summer cooking, where three or four perfect ingredients are left almost untouched. There is nowhere to hide, so every component has to be at its peak.
Listahan note
This version treats the tomatoes and mozzarella as the whole show, dressing them only with great olive oil, salt, and basil so nothing is masked.
Technique cues
- Salt the tomato slices a few minutes before serving so they release juice that becomes part of the dressing.
- Serve everything at room temperature, since fridge-cold mozzarella and tomato taste flat and muted.
- Tear the basil rather than chopping it so the leaves stay fragrant and do not bruise black.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella at the same time and let both sit out to lose their chill while you tear basil.
- Make-ahead
- Slice components up to a couple hours ahead, but assemble, salt, and dress only at serving.
- Leftover move
- Layer leftovers onto toasted bread with the tomato juices for a quick bruschetta.
- Cleanup rhythm
- Just a knife and a board; wipe them and the dish is done before you sit down.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
ripe tomatoes
the star
Purpose: With so few ingredients, the tomatoes' ripeness determines the whole salad.
Handling: Slice thick and salt lightly just before assembling.
Adaptation: Use a mix of heirloom colors in summer; cherry tomatoes work off-season.
fresh mozzarella
creamy counterpoint
Purpose: Its milky softness balances the acidity of the tomato.
Handling: Slice and bring to room temperature; pat dry if very wet.
Adaptation: Burrata makes a richer version; a dairy-free fresh mozzarella works for vegans.
fresh basil
aromatic top note
Purpose: Basil ties the dish together with its peppery, sweet fragrance.
Handling: Tear leaves by hand and scatter just before serving.
Adaptation: Fresh mint is a less traditional but pleasant alternative.
extra-virgin olive oil
the dressing
Purpose: Here the oil is a flavor in its own right, finishing the dish.
Handling: Drizzle generously over the assembled plate at the end.
Adaptation: Use the best fruity oil you have; this is the moment to spend it.
flaky salt
seasoning and texture
Purpose: A flaky finishing salt draws out the tomato juice and adds little bursts of crunch.
Handling: Sprinkle over the tomatoes and mozzarella just before serving.
Adaptation: Any good sea salt works; flaky is ideal for the texture.
Technique notes
- A few drops of aged balsamic are optional and regional; many purists skip it to keep the tomato pure.
- Layer or fan the slices so each bite gets tomato, cheese, and basil together.
- Add the olive oil and salt last, right at the table, so nothing sits and weeps.
Ingredient swaps
- Dairy-free option
- Use a dairy-free fresh mozzarella or thick slices of avocado for the creamy element.
- Heartier direction
- Add prosciutto or white beans to turn the salad into a light meal.
- Lower-sodium direction
- Use a low-sodium fresh mozzarella and finish with just a light pinch of salt.
Serve alongside
- Grilled crusty bread
- Marinated white beans
- Prosciutto
- Arugula salad
- Chilled Pinot Grigio
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Aperol spritz
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Best assembled and eaten fresh. Keep sliced components in the fridge up to a day, undressed and unsalted. Once dressed it weeps quickly, so plate to order. It does not freeze.
Equipment
- A sharp knife
- A serving platter
- A good olive oil cruet
- A small dish of flaky salt
Make this household-aware
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Plan it in Listahan
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