If you want a fresh and easy dish to enjoy this summer, a Caprese salad is a great choice. It’s simple to make but tastes delicious with just a few ingredients.
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A Caprese salad recipe for summer uses ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and a little salt to create a bright and refreshing meal. This salad is perfect for hot days when you want something light and healthy.
You can make it in minutes and serve it as a snack, side dish, or even a quick lunch. It’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style and lets the summer flavors shine.
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Easy Caprese Salad Recipe for Summer
This simple salad uses fresh ingredients that you can easily find in summer. You’ll learn what to include, how to put it together step by step, and ideas to make it look great when you serve it.
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Classic Caprese Salad recipe:
Ingredients:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 large ripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom or vine-ripened)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar (optional)
Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into about 1/4-inch thick slices. On a serving platter, alternate the tomato and mozzarella slices, slightly overlapping them.
Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices for a burst of flavor and color.
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Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad, and if you like, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few drops of balsamic vinegar. Finish by sprinkling salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Use a white or wooden plate to make the colors pop. Arrange the slices neatly for a clean look.
Add whole basil leaves on top as a garnish. You can also sprinkle some pine nuts or toasted bread crumbs for crunch.
Serve with crusty bread or as a side to grilled chicken or fish. Keep the salad chilled but not too cold for the best flavor.
Use a small spoon or drizzle bottle to control the dressing and avoid sogginess.
Fresh Ideas for Summer Caprese Salads
You can easily change up a classic Caprese salad by adding new flavors or presenting it in creative ways. These tips will help you make your salad more exciting without losing its fresh, simple charm.
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Flavorful Ingredient Additions
Adding fresh herbs like basil is classic, but you can also try mint or oregano for a different twist.
Try adding fruit such as sliced peaches or watermelon cubes to bring a sweet contrast.
For some crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the salad.
Use different kinds of tomatoes like heirlooms in various colors to make the salad more colorful and flavorful.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
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Creative Plating for Entertaining
For a party, arrange your salad on a large platter in a circular pattern or stack it into a tower shape using a ring mold.
Use small skewers to make mini Caprese bites. This is great for easy serving and snacking.
Add edible flowers or small basil leaves around the edges for a bright, fresh look.
Serve with a side of fresh crusty bread or crackers for guests to enjoy with the salad.
You can also present the salad layered in a clear glass bowl so everyone can see the colors.
Follow my summer salad recipe board on Pinterest.