Italian Caprese salad
Fresh basil from Oliver, juicy tomatoes, and mozzarella that melts in your mouth. A taste of sunny Southern Italy in your own home. Can you hear the sound of the sea?
What's it all about?
This famous salad, featuring the colors of the Italian flag, originates from the island of Capri, although its true origins remain uncertain. One legend says it was created during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, while others credit Italian chefs of the 1920s or 1930s.
Today, it is a true classic of Italian cuisine, built on one simple philosophy: just a few ingredients—but they have to be exceptional.
When to serve it
Insalata Caprese is traditionally served as an appetizer, but it's equally delicious as a light dinner, a side dish for grilled meals, or an elegant dish to share with guests. It is at its very best from July through September, when tomatoes are at the peak of their flavor.
Delicious and nutritious
The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and fresh herbs provides vitamins, protein, and healthy fats. Extra virgin olive oil also helps your body absorb lycopene from the tomatoes.
If you're sensitive to lactose, it's worth choosing lactose-free mozzarella.
Star ingredient: BASIL
When you use freshly picked basil from Oliver, you'll notice the difference immediately. The leaves are firm, juicy, and packed with essential oils. The aroma is intense and the flavor is rich—not watery or bland. The basil hasn't been chilled or transported. You harvest it at its very peak.
And you can taste the difference.
Caprese Salad
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
3–4 large ripe tomatoes
1 high-quality mozzarella (fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella) in brine
A handful of fresh basil from Oliver
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Slice the tomatoes with a sharp knife.
Drain the mozzarella and tear it into irregular pieces by hand—they'll hold the olive oil better.
Arrange the ingredients on a serving plate in layers: tomato, mozzarella, basil.
Drizzle evenly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks:
Use fully ripe tomatoes. They should be firm yet slightly soft to the touch. The stronger their aroma around the stem, the more flavorful they'll be.
Harvest your basil just before serving. Choose healthy, medium-sized leaves without any damage.
Choose a truly high-quality olive oil—one you'd happily enjoy with fresh bread on its own.
You can finish the salad with a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
Or mix one tablespoon of olive oil with a little lemon zest and a drizzle of honey. This creates a fresh dressing that enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes and brings out the basil's aroma.
Average nutritional values (per serving):
Weight: 270 g
Energy: 1,401.6 kJ / 335 kcal
Fat: 26.4 g
Carbohydrates: 6.4 g
Fiber: 1.6 g
Protein: 18.7 g