This classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe is made with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and tossed with olive oil, and drizzled with our homemade balsamic glaze.

Serve the Caprese salad as a side salad or as a main entree with toasted Crostini

Ingredients for caprese salad in a plate with a balsamic drizzle.

WHAT IS A CAPRESE SALAD?

The authentic Caprese Salad originates from Italy and officially first went on a menu in Hotel Quisisana. The salad is made with sliced fresh tomatoes, freshly sliced mozzarella cheese, fresh basil then drizzled with oil and a balsamic glaze. We love to add garlic and seasoning to the oil for added flavor.

CAPRESE SALAD INGREDIENTS-

These ingredients make up a traditional Caprese salad recipe.

  • Tomatoes– The tomatoes are the key ingredient in the recipe and you want to make sure the tomatoes are fresh and ripe.
  • Mozzarella cheese– You can either use a log of cheese or bocconcini which are small mozzarella cheese balls.
  • Basil– Fresh basil is a must, don’t substitute for dried basil.
  • Balsamic glaze– We used our homemade balsamic glaze, which is just a balsamic vinegar and sugar reduction.
  • Oil– Your favorite olive oil will work. Some like extra-light yet others prefer extra-virgin, we find that a classic olive oil is the best with the remaining flavors.
  • Season– Season with salt, pepper and we add garlic and Italian seasoning to ours.
  • Red onion– We added red onion to our salad but that is totally optional.
  • Romaine– You can serve the salad in mini romaine leaves as boats or just clice the romaine and add it to the salad.
A bowl of tomatoes, red onion, basil and mozzarella cheese.

HOW TO MAKE A CAPRESE SALAD-

Just a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time are all you need for this salad recipe.

  • Cut tomatoes- If using heirloom or a large tomato, you want to slice it thinly or cube the tomatoes. We used cherry tomatoes and just halved the tomatoes.
  • Cheese– Thinly slice or cube the mozzarella cheese. We just kept our cheese balls whole.
  • Romaine– Use mini romaine as a bed to serve the salad in, totally optional.
  • Make dressing– In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
  • Assemble salad– Add all of the ingredients to a bowl. Drizzle the oil mixture over the ingredients and drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad.
  • Romaine boats– If serving in the romaine lettuce, just add your mixed salad to the salad leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Serving the salad in romaine is such a fun idea for parties and potlucks. The salad always gets compliments and it’s so pretty to serve.
Caprese salad in a white bowl mixed with balsamic glaze.

OTHER SALAD RECIPES-

Classic salad recipes are great not only as a side dish but may be enjoyed as a meal for lunch or dinner. 

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Author: Valentina
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5 from 7 votes
This classic Italian Caprese salad is made with tomatoes, cheese and fresh basil with a balsamic glaze drizzled over the salad.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 oz mini mozzarella cheese, halved
  • 3 Tbsp red onion, sliced thin
  • 2 mini romaine leaves, cut
  • 2 medium tomatoes, cubed
  • 3 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp italian seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • balsamic glaze, to taste

Instructions

  • Finely sliced onions. Cube tomatoes into equal sizes. Chop basil. Cut cheese in half.
  • In a bowl, combine the garlic, oil and Italian seasoning. Add to salad and mix.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  • Serve.

Nutrition

92kcal Calories4g Carbs5g Protein7g Fat2g Saturated Fat8mg Cholesterol20mg Sodium191mg Potassium1g Fiber2g Sugar1835IU Vitamin A10.1mg Vitamin C94mg Calcium0.5mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Amount Per Serving
Calories 92 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 8mg3%
Sodium 20mg1%
Potassium 191mg5%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 1835IU37%
Vitamin C 10.1mg12%
Calcium 94mg9%
Iron 0.5mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)