Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Caprese Salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a simple seasoning of olive oil, sea salt, oregano, and black pepper. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, highlighting classic Italian flavors with minimal preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cherry tomatoes (680 grams)
- 7 ounces fresh mozzarella (200 grams)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (about 20–25 leaves)
Dressing and Seasonings
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters, allowing for varied shapes and sizes. Place them in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of sea salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to release their juices. After 10 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and gently toss to coat the tomatoes.
- Prepare Mozzarella: Tear the fresh mozzarella into chunks similar in size to the tomato pieces to ensure balanced bites throughout the salad.
- Arrange Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Spread the seasoned tomatoes along with their juices in a wide serving bowl or platter. Distribute the mozzarella chunks evenly over the tomatoes.
- Add Basil: Scatter torn basil leaves over the salad for an aromatic and fresh flavor boost.
- Season the Salad: Sprinkle the salad with dried oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of sea salt to enhance the taste.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the salad for richness and to marry the flavors.
- Final Toss: Gently toss the entire salad to combine all ingredients and seasoning without breaking up the tomatoes or mozzarella.
- Garnish and Serve: Scatter whole basil leaves on top as a final garnish before serving to add visual appeal and fresh herb aroma.
Notes
- Cherry Tomatoes – You can substitute grape tomatoes if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.
- Mozzarella – Use fresh mozzarella balls packed in whey or water; avoid low moisture or dry-packed mozzarella. Bocconcini or pearl mozzarella are good alternatives.
- Use room temperature tomatoes and mozzarella to maximize flavor.
- Choose a quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Ensure that dried oregano is fresh and fragrant for optimal seasoning.
- Taste the salad before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Keywords: Caprese Salad, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, Italian salad, no-cook recipe, easy salad