Caprese Salad

This caprese salad is the ultimate fresh summer dish, made with juicy, colorful heirloom tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, balsamic glaze and fresh basil. If you’re looking for a fresh tomato salad recipe that’s both beautiful and delicious, this is it.

One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to find the local farmer’s market. My kids are now accustomed to the fact that no matter what city we are in, we will find the nearest farmer’s market. There’s nothing like getting fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the farm.  

When we were in northern California driving the California Highway 1 last September, we hit many farm stands off the side of the road. We always came away with brightly colored heirloom tomatoes. The vibrant greens, yellows, reds, and oranges make the most beautiful caprese salad.

Ingredients for the Best Caprese Salad:

• Heirloom tomatoes: The star of the dish! They’re naturally sweet, juicy, and full of flavor with beautiful color variation
• Fresh mozzarella: Adds creamy richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes
• Fresh basil: Brings a bright flavor that ties everything together. I like to buy a large basil plant at Trader Joe’s.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Choose an olive oil that you love the flavor of because it is an important component of caprese salad
• Flaky salt: Draws out the juices from the tomatoes and intensifies flavor
• Balsamic glaze or Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a sweet, tangy contrast that complements the tomatoes

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad is made by slicing garden heirloom tomatoes and layering them with soft, fresh mozzarella, a sprinkle of salt, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, and topped with fresh basil ribbons. It’s such a simple appetizer and one of the most stunning salads.

How to make Heirloom Caprese Salad:

1. Slice heirloom tomatoes into thick rounds or wedges.
2. Slice fresh mozzarella into similar-sized pieces.
3. Arrange tomatoes and mozzarella on a serving platter, alternating for a layered look.
4. Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
5. Season with flaky salt.
6. Tuck fresh basil leaves throughout the salad.

You don’t have to go far to find heirloom tomatoes as they are in grocery stores too. Grape, beefsteak, cherry or vine-ripened tomatoes can be substituted.  I buy the pre-sliced fresh mozzarella log since the slices are all uniform. Costco and Sam’s Club sells it in a two-pack for a fabulous price.

You can drizzle this Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad with balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar which gives it a punch of flavor. The balsamic glaze can be found at Trader Joe’s and grocery stores. It’s a thicker and sweeter than balsamic vinegar. Every time we visit Park City, Utah, we always pick up some specialty oils and vinegars from Mountain Town Olive Oil because their quality and flavor combinations are off-the-charts good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

1. What makes heirloom tomatoes different?
   Heirloom tomatoes are grown for flavor rather than durability, making them sweeter, juicier, and more flavorful than regular tomatoes.
2. Can I make caprese salad ahead of time?
   It’s best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble right before serving.
3. Do I have to use balsamic glaze?
   No, it’s optional! Traditional caprese often skips it, but it adds a delicious sweet-tangy finish. I find it at Trader Joe’s or most grocery stores.
4. What type of mozzarella is best?
   Fresh mozzarella (or mozzarella pearls) works best for that soft, creamy texture.

Salad Recipes:

Pesto Caprese Salad

Summer Fruit Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Greek Salad

Storage:

Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days. Keep in mind the tomatoes will release juices over time, so it may become slightly watery. For best results, store components separately and assemble just before serving.

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This Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad is a beautiful start to a meal, a gorgeous party appetizer, or even a healthy lunch. Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!