How to Make the Perfect Fresh Caprese Salad
Italian · Easy · 10 min · 4 servings
This simple beautiful Italian salad with juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is a wonderfully kid friendly introduction to fresh Mediterranean flavors. Children love the mild creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes making it a perfect no-cook side dish for any family meal.
Why this recipe works
This Fresh Caprese Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 0.25 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into equal rounds about a quarter inch thick. Using the ripest tomatoes you can find makes a huge difference in sweetness that kids respond to well. Pat mozzarella slices dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Arrange the Salad
Alternate tomato and mozzarella slices in overlapping layers on a serving platter. This is a great job for kids to help with as the colorful pattern is fun to create and looks impressive on the table.
Step 3: Add the Basil
Tuck fresh basil leaves between and around the tomato and mozzarella slices. The green basil against red tomatoes and white cheese creates the Italian flag colors which is a fun fact to share with curious kids at the table.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor. This salad should be eaten fresh and not refrigerated before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh mozzarella → bocconcini mini mozzarella balls which are fun and bite sized for kids
- balsamic glaze → a drizzle of honey for a sweeter topping kids may prefer
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using cold tomatoes straight from the refrigerator which kills their natural sweetness
- Using dried basil instead of fresh which gives a completely different and less vibrant flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 12g protein, 6g carbs, 17g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →