Mmmm… Caprese salad! It’s the quintessential summer dish, bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze—what’s not to love? Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for your next BBQ or a light lunch on a hot day.
Does anyone else’s tomato plants turn into an overgrown jungle by summer’s end? We were gone for a few days, and when we got back, our garden had exploded! I came home to an abundance of tomatoes—some nearly the size of my face! Whenever I’m swimming in tomatoes, my go-to is either ceviche or Caprese salad.
It’s so simple and only requires a few ingredients and basic tools.
Ingredients
- Tomatoes
- Fresh mozarella
- Basil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt
Layer One – Tomatoes
Caprese salad isn’t your typical “tossed in a bowl” dish. Instead, Caprese salad is stacked layer by layer on a platter.
Start by coring and slicing your tomatoes. Since mine were huge, I quartered each slice and arranged them snugly on the platter. Sprinkle with salt to bring out their natural sweetness.
Layer Two – Fresh Mozzarella
Now for the mozzarella! Fresh mozzarella is key here—this isn’t the shredded kind you use on pizza or string cheese for the kids. It’s creamy, soft, and essential for a true Caprese. I bought mine pre-sliced, halved the slices, and placed a piece atop each tomato.
Layer Three – Basil
No need to chop! Just tear off basil leaves into inch-long pieces and lay them over the mozzarella.
Layer Four – Balsamic Glaze
The secret to elevating this salad is balsamic glaze! It’s thicker and more flavorful than regular balsamic vinegar. Drizzle it generously over your tomato, mozzarella, and basil stacks for an extra punch of flavor.
I drizzle that balsamic goodness all over my little stacks of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, making sure every piece gets enough of that delicious glaze.
And that’s it! Caprese salad is fresh, flavorful, and the perfect taste of summer. Serve it as a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next BBQ. Even my kids love it!
Looking for more easy summer recipes? Try my smoked brisket nachos—they’re super easy and customizable for the whole family.
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