Nothing screams summer in Italy more than a caprese salad. It’s a cherished Italian staple for me and my family, and is the ultimate refreshing dish this time of year. I probably ate one caprese every day while I was studying abroad in Italy…not even kidding.
This colorful dish is made up of basil, tomato, and mozzarella cheese, and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch. It’s a simple recipe that really just requires a little bit of assembly and that’s it. I drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on top for an irresistible flavor. But the best way to enjoy a caprese by far is on top of warm bakery bread.
The history behind this dish dates back to post-World War 1 Italy and is thought to represent the colors of the Italian flag. The red, white, and green-colored salad is also representative of Italian flavors. It really is the ultimate Italian dish!!
Now, go make yourself a caprese salad and enjoy the summer heat while it lasts!
Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 16 oz fresh mozzarella
- 1 bunch basil
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper for topping
Directions
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4” thick slices.
- Arrange 1 slice of tomato, 1 slice of mozzarella, and 1 piece of basil onto a large plate. Repeat until all the tomato, cheese, and basil are used. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
- Serve with warm bakery bread or by itself. Enjoy!