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Colorful Caprese Salad with Fresh Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, and Basil Recipe

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3.8 from 9 reviews

This vibrant and refreshing Caprese Salad features a colorful mix of fresh ripe tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and soft bocconcini, layered beautifully and finished with fragrant basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish, this Italian classic celebrates simple, fresh ingredients with minimal preparation.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Tomatoes

  • 2.2 lbs (1 kg) fresh ripe tomatoes, a mixture of colors, shapes, and sizes

Mozzarella

  • 8.8 oz (250 g / 2 balls) buffalo mozzarella
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) bocconcini di mozzarella (baby mozzarella balls)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 large handful fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt flakes, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice tomatoes: Slice the fresh tomatoes into varying thicknesses. Use a mix of different shapes, sizes, and colors to make the salad more visually appealing and vibrant.
  2. Slice mozzarella: Cut both the buffalo mozzarella and bocconcini into thick slices. Using a combination adds texture and a more interesting presentation, especially great for serving a crowd.
  3. Arrange on plate: On a large serving plate, alternate placing one or two slices of tomato followed by slices of mozzarella. Arrange these in a circular pattern around the edge of the plate. Fill the center with chopped cherry tomatoes and baby mozzarella, or continue layering slices if not using cherry tomatoes.
  4. Add basil and season: Scatter freshly torn basil leaves over the arranged salad. Drizzle generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Season with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing all the fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Using a variety of tomato colors and shapes not only improves the taste experience but makes the salad visually stunning.
  • You can substitute cherry tomatoes for chopped regular tomatoes in the center for a different texture.
  • For the best flavor, use fresh buffalo mozzarella and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.
  • To make it more filling, you can add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or some crusty bread on the side.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian