Summary: Insalata Caprese – A traditional Italian salad featuring fresh vine tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil leaves, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Best prepared during the peak tomato season, requiring no cooking and just 15 minutes of preparation for 4 portions.
Did you cook this recipe? Share the result with the community.
Category: Salads, Italian Cuisine
Success rate: not rated yet% of users successfully made this recipe
Quick overview
- Dish: Insalata Caprese
- Category: Salads, Italian Cuisine
- Cuisine: Italian
- Main ingredient: Vine tomatoes, 600 g (ripe, organic quality)
- Guide: 12 most popular Mediterranean dishes: favourite recipes of Mediterranean cuisine
- Total time: 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cooking)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Portions: 4 portions (Portion weight: 250 g)
- Key technique: Slicing and layering
- Preparation types: Cold preparation, raw assembly
- Dietary info & Allergens: Contains milk (mozzarella), vegetarian, gluten-free
- Suitable for: Summer lunch, starter, light dinner, picnic
- Nutritional values (per 1 portion): 320 kcal, Protein: 14 g, Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Storage: Best consumed immediately, 1 day in the fridge (not recommended)
- Pairing: Craft Pilsner, Vermentino wine, sparkling water with lemon
- In short: The ultimate celebration of summer tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
- Last updated: 2026-06-01
WAGUU says: “Quality ingredients make all the difference in a simple dish like Caprese.”
Key facts
| Prep time: | 15 minutes |
| Cooking time: | 0 minutes |
| Temperature: | Room temperature |
| Number of portions: | 4 portions |
In a nutshell
Insalata Caprese represents the essence of Mediterranean simplicity, combining juicy sun-ripened tomatoes, milky mozzarella di bufala, and aromatic basil leaves dressed simply with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt.
Ingredients
Base portions: 4 portions • Portion weight: 250 g
| Ingredient | Amount | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Vine tomatoes | 600 g | Ripe, room temperature |
| Mozzarella di bufala | 300 g | Fresh, high quality |
| Fresh basil leaves | 20 g | Freshly picked |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40 ml | Cold-pressed, Italian |
| Flaky sea salt | 4 g | Fleur de sel or Maldon |
| Black pepper | 1 g | Freshly cracked |
Why you will love this recipe
- Speed: Prepared in just 15 minutes without any cooking required.
- Freshness: Celebrates the peak flavor of summer tomatoes and aromatic basil.
- Simplicity: Uses only a handful of top-tier ingredients for maximum taste.
Success guaranteed: Follow the golden rule of using room-temperature ingredients and authentic buffalo mozzarella for restaurant-quality results.
Recipe overview
Prep: 15 min | Cooking: 0 min | Difficulty: Easy | Portions: 4 | Type: Salad / Starter | Origin: Italy
Detailed instructions
Overall progress: 0% complete
Phase 1: Ingredient Preparation – 5 min
Appliances: None
1. Wash the vine tomatoes thoroughly in lukewarm water and dry them gently with a clean kitchen towel. Ensure the tomatoes are at room temperature to fully develop their natural aromatic compounds.
VKB: Visual check for surface cleanliness and complete dryness.
Before moving to the next step:
Never use ice-cold tomatoes straight from the refrigerator, as cold dampens their flavor profile.
Phase 2: Slicing Tomatoes and Mozzarella – 5 min
Appliances: Chef’s knife, cutting board
2. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the tomatoes into even rounds approximately 0.5 cm thick. Drain the mozzarella di bufala from its liquid brine and slice it to match the thickness of the tomato slices.
VKB: Uniform slice thickness for clean visual presentation.
Before moving to the next step:
Pat the mozzarella slices gently with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture.
Phase 3: Arranging the Platter – 3 min
Appliances: Serving platter
3. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating, overlapping pattern on a large serving platter. Tuck fresh basil leaves neatly between the slices.
VKB: Aesthetic color distribution reflecting the Italian flag.
Before moving to the next step:
Ensure the slices are distributed evenly so every portion gets an equal balance of tomato and cheese.
Phase 4: Dressing and Seasoning – 2 min
Appliances: Spoon or oil cruet
4. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged salad. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the top just before serving.
VKB: Even distribution of oil and seasoning.
Required equipment
| Utensil | Ideal size | Alternative | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chef’s knife | 20 cm blade | Utility knife | Crushing soft tomatoes with dull blade |
| Cutting board | 30 x 40 cm | Wooden board | Juice runoff |
| Serving platter | 28 cm diameter | Flat ceramic plate | Spilling oil over edges |
Shopping list
Nutritional profile
Values per 1 portion (excluding side dishes). Calculated from average nutritional values of ingredients.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per 1 portion | Per 4 portions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 128 kcal | 320 kcal | 1280 kcal |
| Fat | 9.6 g | 24.0 g | 96.0 g |
| of which saturates | 4.8 g | 12.0 g | 48.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.6 g | 9.0 g | 36.0 g |
| of which sugars | 2.8 g | 7.0 g | 28.0 g |
| Protein | 5.6 g | 14.0 g | 56.0 g |
| Salt | 0.8 g | 2.0 g | 8.0 g |
Reference intake of an average adult (8400 kJ / 2000 kcal).
WAGUU Pro Level
- Pro standard: Verified recipe with precise ratios and visual control points.
- Tip 1: Always use vine-ripened tomatoes harvested at peak season for maximum sweetness.
- Tip 2: Bring mozzarella to room temperature before slicing to enhance its creamy texture.
- Tip 3: Use high-end extra virgin olive oil with fruity and peppery notes.
- Tip 4: Season with flaky sea salt immediately before serving to prevent the tomatoes from releasing excess water too early.
Scientific background
The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella relies on the chemical harmony between glutamic acid in tomatoes and the high fat and protein content of fresh buffalo cheese. Olive oil acts as a fat-soluble flavor carrier, binding volatile aromatic compounds from both the basil and the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded sensory experience.
Fine Dining – Professional techniques
- Plate composition: Layer slices in an alternating concentric circle or a neat linear stack for a modern architectural look.
- Textural contrasts: Balance the firm tomato skin against the ultra-soft, melting texture of fresh buffalo mozzarella.
- Temperature contrast: Serve ingredients at exact room temperature to awaken all delicate dairy fats and fruit acids.
- Aromatic garnishes: Finish with micro-basil leaves and a droplet of aged balsamic glaze for sophisticated acidity.
Sensory radar
- Appearance: Vibrant red, milky white, and lush green mirroring the Italian flag.
- Aroma: Fresh herbaceous basil, fruity olive oil, and sweet ripe tomatoes.
- Taste: Sweet acidity balanced by rich creamy dairy and peppery olive oil.
- Texture: Tender juicy tomatoes paired with soft, yielding mozzarella.
Pairing
- BEER: Crisp artisanal Pilsner with herbal hop notes
- WINE: Chilled Italian Vermentino or Pinot Grigio
- NON-ALCOHOLIC: Sparkling spring water with fresh lemon slice and mint
Various preparation variants
- Burrata Caprese: Substitute buffalo mozzarella with creamy burrata cheese for an extra rich interior.
- Cherry Tomato Skewers: Thread mini bocconcini and cherry tomatoes onto skewers for party finger food.
Allergens and dietary information
Contains: Milk • Gluten: Naturally gluten-free • Not suitable for: Vegan diet, lactose intolerance
Suitable for
Summer lunch, starter, light dinner, vegetarian diet, gluten-free diet, picnic
Substitution catalog
- Mozzarella di bufala: Fior di latte or creamy burrata
FAQ
Should Caprese salad be stored in the refrigerator?
No, tomatoes lose their flavor and texture when refrigerated. Always serve at room temperature.
Can I use standard cow’s milk mozzarella?
Yes, fior di latte works well, but traditional buffalo mozzarella offers superior creaminess and flavor.
When should I add the salt?
Always add flaky salt right before serving to prevent the tomatoes from releasing too much water prematurely.
Is balsamic vinegar authentic in a Caprese?
Traditional Italian Caprese uses only extra virgin olive oil, salt, and basil. Balsamic is a modern variation.
WAGUU Petr advises: Cooking for 12 or more people?
12–16 people: Prep ingredients on multiple large platters to maintain an attractive presentation and prevent overcrowding • 20+ people: Slice tomatoes and mozzarella in advance, store separately in airtight containers at room temperature, and assemble just before serving.
Sides and Serving
- Crusty artisan ciabatta bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato and olive oil juices (not included in the recipe)
- Grilled garlic bruschetta – Adds a wonderful crunchy contrast to the soft salad (not included in the recipe)
Serving: Serve fresh on a wide platter at room temperature as a starter or light lunch.
Storage and reheating
Fridge: 1 day (not recommended) • Freezer: 0 months (do not freeze) • Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature, never reheat.
Author: WAGUU Petr & Team • Published: 26 Aug 2026 • Updated: 31 Oct 2026
More Recipes from This Article
Other recipes you might be interested in
Why WAGUU?
Recipes on WAGUU undergo checks for the accuracy of ingredients, procedures, and nutritional values.
Process photo gallery
Community photos: Cook, take a photo, and share the result.
You can upload photos in the comments below or send them via email.
Did you record a video guide for our recipe? Insert a link to YouTube, YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, Pinterest, Vimeo, or X (Twitter) in the comment – we’d be happy to publish it and help promote you and your content.
Common mistakes
- Using refrigerated tomatoes – Chilling dulls the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of tomatoes.
- Skipping the drying step – Excess moisture from washed tomatoes and cheese dilutes the olive oil dressing.
- Salting too early – Adding salt beforehand draws out too much moisture and makes the salad watery.
- Using low-quality oil – Subpar olive oil ruins the clean and harmonious taste profile of the dish.