Caprese Salad or “Insalata Caprese,” is a light tri-colored Italian appetizer that consists of fresh tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella cheese, basil and olive oil. While the ingredients are simple, the best Caprese Salad requires the highest quality ingredients. Serve this delicious Italian appetizer with Authentic Italian Bruschetta!
The colorful dish dates back to Italy during the 1920’s, when a patriotic builder created the tri-colored dish to represent the Italian flag. It wasn’t until 30 years later, when jet-setting Egyptian King Farouk visited the isle of Capri, enjoyed the appetizer and the Caprese Salad gained significant popularity.
What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use for Caprese Salad?
The tomatoes in Capri are ultra-rich in flavor due to the rich Italian soil. The soil near Mt. Vesuvius produces the highest-quality, best-tasting tomatoes in the world. If you have homegrown or tomatoes from a farmer’s market use them in this recipe. If not, grape, cherry or heirlooms provide a comparable, rich flavor of the Italian tomato.
What’s the Difference Between Mozzarella and Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is either from cows or water buffalo. Buffalo mozzarella is a higher-quality of cheese and is labeled “buffalo Mozzarella” cheese. Use either kind of cheese in this Italian antipasto dish–both are delicious! This recipe features “Ciliegine” mozzarella (small “cherry-size” mozzarella balls) which are found in the gourmet cheese area of your grocer.
The Italian soil produces the most tender basil and thousands of acres of olive trees. For the best Caprese Salad, drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil over fresh tomatoes and cheese, and garnish with fresh basil.
Craving More? Authentic Italian Bruschetta or Eggplant Parmesan
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz. package Ciliegine Mozzarella balls
- 1 pint Grape Tomatoes
- 1 package fresh basil
- extra virgin olive oil high-quality
- salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain Ciliegine Mozzarella and set aside; rinse grape tomatoes; chop basil
- In a large bowl, combine mozzarella balls and grape tomatoes
- Lightly drizzle cheese and tomatoes with olive oil; combine well
- Add chopped basil; add salt and pepper; serve
Notes
What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use for Caprese Salad?
The tomatoes in Capri are ultra-rich in flavor due to the rich Italian soil. The soil near Mt. Vesuvius produces the highest-quality, best-tasting tomatoes in the world. If you have homegrown or tomatoes from a farmer's market use them in this recipe. If not, grape, cherry or heirlooms provide a comparable, rich flavor of the Italian tomato.What's the Difference Between Mozzarella and Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is either from cow's or water buffalo. Buffalo mozzarella is a higher-quality of cheese and is labeled "buffalo Mozzarella" cheese. Use either kind of cheese in this Italian antipasto dish--both are delicious! This recipe features "Ciliegine" mozzarella (small "cherry-size" mozzarella balls) which are found in the gourmet cheese area of your grocer.
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