Fresh Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe Easy Perfect Summer Basil Delight
A simple, fresh, and satisfying summer salad combining sweet heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced thick
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (di buffala preferred), sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and slice the heirloom tomatoes into roughly ½-inch thick rounds.
- Slice or tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces about the same size as the tomato slices. Pat dry if extra wet.
- Arrange the salad by alternating slices of heirloom tomato and mozzarella on a serving platter.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices and scatter a few on top.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt (about ½ teaspoon) and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad, followed by 1 to 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Use ripe heirloom tomatoes for best flavor. Pat mozzarella dry if too wet to avoid sogginess. Season just before serving to keep salad fresh. Balsamic glaze can be substituted with reduced balsamic vinegar. Let salad rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: Caprese salad, heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, summer salad, easy salad, balsamic glaze, olive oil