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Caprese Salad

nibbleboard.com/recipes/caprese-salad

Prep:15 min
Cook:0 min
Total:15 min
Servings:6

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs ripe tomatoes (3-4 medium)
  • 12-16 oz fresh mozzarella ball
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves (about 1 bunch)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction)
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Slice fresh mozzarella to the same thickness so the layers stack evenly.
  2. Arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella in a shingled pattern on a serving platter, overlapping each slice slightly.
  3. Tuck whole basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices so they peek out along the edges.
  4. Season generously with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  5. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire platter.
  6. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern across the top. Serve immediately.

Nutrition per Serving

273Calories
19gProtein
9gCarbs
18gFat

Chef Tips

  • Use room-temperature tomatoes and mozzarella — pulling them from the fridge 30 minutes before assembling brings out way more flavor.
  • Invest in the best extra virgin olive oil you can find. In a dish this simple, you'll taste every ingredient.
  • If you can't find balsamic glaze, simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  • Swap standard mozzarella for burrata — slice it open at the table and let the creamy center spill over the tomatoes for a showstopper presentation.
  • Only season right before serving. Salt draws moisture out of tomatoes, and a watery platter isn't what you're after.

Storage

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, though the tomatoes will release liquid. Not ideal for make-ahead meal prep.

© 2026 Nibbleboard. Nutritional data computed from USDA ingredient databases.