Four-Ingredient Caprese Salad

Name: Four-Ingredient Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 4

four ingredient caprese tomato mozzarella basil italian simple fresh

Salads

This classic Italian salad celebrates the pure flavors of summer with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and golden olive oil - a perfect example of how the finest ingredients need little enhancement to create something truly spectacular.

Recipe Details

Units:

Metric Imperial

Servings:

Prep: 10 Cook: 0

Ingredients

680g1 1/2 lbs ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties
225g8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably buffalo mozzarella
30g1 large bunch fresh basil leaves
60ml1/4 cup best quality extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Slice 680g1 1/2 lbs ripe tomatoes into 1cm (1/2-inch) thick rounds. Arrange on a serving platter and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Slice 225g8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds of similar thickness to the tomatoes.
Arrange mozzarella slices alternating with tomato slices on the platter, slightly overlapping.
Tuck 30g1 large bunch fresh basil leaves leaves between and around the tomato and mozzarella slices.
Drizzle generously with 60ml1/4 cup best quality extra virgin olive oil, allowing it to pool slightly around the edges.
Let stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve with crusty bread if desired.

Ingredients

id: ripe_tomatoes metric: 680g imperial: 1 1/2 lbs name: ripe tomatoes, preferably heirloom varieties
id: fresh_mozzarella metric: 225g imperial: 8 oz name: fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably buffalo mozzarella
id: fresh_basil metric: 30g imperial: 1 large bunch name: fresh basil leaves
id: extra_virgin_olive_oil metric: 60ml imperial: 1/4 cup name: best quality extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Slice {ripe_tomatoes} into 1cm (1/2-inch) thick rounds. Arrange on a serving platter and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Slice {fresh_mozzarella} into rounds of similar thickness to the tomatoes.
Arrange mozzarella slices alternating with tomato slices on the platter, slightly overlapping.
Tuck {fresh_basil} leaves between and around the tomato and mozzarella slices.
Drizzle generously with {extra_virgin_olive_oil}, allowing it to pool slightly around the edges.
Let stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve with crusty bread if desired.

Tips

Tomato Selection: Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Heirloom varieties in different colors make the salad even more beautiful.

Mozzarella Quality: Fresh mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella) is traditional and has the best flavor and texture. Avoid low-moisture mozzarella.

Basil Handling: Don't cut basil with a knife as it bruises easily. Tear leaves by hand or leave them whole for the best appearance and flavor.

Oil Importance: Use your best extra virgin olive oil here - it's one of only four ingredients, so quality matters enormously.

Room Temperature: Both tomatoes and mozzarella taste best at room temperature, not cold from the refrigerator.

Assembly Timing: Assemble just before serving or the tomatoes will release water and dilute the flavors.

Seasonal Note: This salad is best in summer when tomatoes and basil are at their peak. Off-season versions rarely compare.

Presentation: Traditional presentation alternates red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil to represent the Italian flag colors.