Caprese Salad + DIY Caprese Salad Bar
Make the best Caprese Salad with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. Plus, learn how to set up a DIY Caprese Salad bar for your next party!
Table of contents
I have loved Caprese salads for years, and this version is the one I come back to every summer. Originating on the island of Capri, insalata Caprese is a signature dish of Southern Italy, where the Amalfi coast produces some of the most delicious fresh tomatoes in the world. I have had amazing garden tomatoes here in the States, but nothing compares to ripe tomatoes eaten straight from Italian soil. The beauty of this salad is its simplicity: just a few high-quality ingredients, each one allowed to shine.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Salad + DIY Caprese Salad Bar
- Only a handful of ingredients, but each one matters. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and fruity olive oil is pure summer on a plate.
- It comes together in minutes with no cooking required. Perfect for hot days when you want something light and satisfying.
- You can easily turn it into a DIY caprese salad bar for parties. Set out the components and let everyone build their own.
Key Ingredients for the Best Caprese Salad
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy summer tomatoes, preferably heirloom or a mix of colors and sizes. Cherry tomatoes add variety. Warm from the garden is ideal. The flavor is the backbone of the salad.
- Fresh mozzarella: Look for a firm log packed in water, not the pre-shredded kind. Slice it yourself or buy pre-sliced logs. For variety, add mozzarella pearls (ciliegine or bocconcini). Burrata is an ultra-creamy alternative for a wow factor.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use the best fruity olive oil you can afford. This is not for cooking; it's for drizzling. A good oil makes the difference between a good salad and a great one.
Kitchen Tools for Caprese Salad
- Large cutting board or serving platter (for arranging the salad or setting up the bar)
- Serrated bread knife (for slicing tomatoes cleanly without crushing them)
- Small bowls (for holding toppings like balsamic glaze, pesto, nuts, and salts)
- Blender or food processor (if making romesco sauce or pesto from scratch)
Tips for Making Caprese Salad
Start by placing the mozzarella on a large board or platter along with the drained mozzarella balls. Slice the tomatoes into wedges and arrange them on individual plates with the mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. Tear the basil leaves rather than cutting them with a knife; tearing releases their aroma without bruising them. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For extra flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of seasoned salt or flaky sea salt, and some toasted pine nuts. You can also add pesto or romesco sauce. If you like, serve prosciutto on the side.
Expert Tips for the Best Caprese Salad
For the best flavor, let your tomatoes come to room temperature before slicing. Cold tomatoes mute their sweetness. Drain the mozzarella well and pat it dry with paper towels so the oil and seasonings cling to it rather than pooling in water. Always tear basil leaves by hand just before serving; cut basil wilts quickly. And don't skimp on the olive oil. A good fruity extra-virgin olive oil is the star here, so use one you love to drink.
Caprese Salad Variations to Try
There is no need for a separate dressing with this salad. Instead, use any of these optional additions to take it over the top. A great quality fruity extra-virgin olive oil is the simplest choice. Balsamic glaze, which is reduced balsamic vinegar, adds sweetness and tang. For a smoky twist, make a quick romesco sauce by blending roasted peppers, olive oil, sliced almonds, a garlic clove, and smoked paprika. Homemade basil pesto or arugula pesto also works beautifully. You can also sprinkle on seasoned salts or flaky sea salt and toasted pine nuts for texture. Serve prosciutto on the side if you want a savory, salty element.
How to Set Up a DIY Caprese Salad Bar
To turn this into a party, start with a large cutting board or two as your base. A white restaurant-style board works well. Set out a sharp serrated bread knife so guests can slice their own tomatoes, or assign someone to be the tomato bartender and slice for everyone. Begin with the basic caprese salad ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then add simple toppings like balsamic glaze, seasoned salts, toasted pine nuts, pesto, and romesco sauce. Provide crackers, slices of baguette, or crisped focaccia toasts for crunch. Let everyone build their own plate.
How to Store Leftover Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is best eaten right after assembling, but leftovers can be stored. Place any uneaten salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. The tomatoes will release some liquid and the basil may wilt, so the texture won't be as fresh. For longer storage, keep the components separate: store tomatoes at room temperature, mozzarella in its water in the fridge, and basil wrapped in a damp paper towel in a bag. Assemble just before serving.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 8 servings
- Cuisine
- Italian
- Course
- Appetizer
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the mozzarella on a large board or platter with the drained mozzarella balls. Slice the tomatoes into wedges and assemble individual salads on plates with the mozzarella and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, seasoned salts, toasted pine nuts or add pesto and romesco sauce. Serve prosciutto on the side of desired.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
- Calories
- 264 kcal13% DV
- Protein
- 14 g28% DV
- Fat
- 20 g26% DV
- Carbs
- 9 g3% DV
- Fiber
- 2 g7% DV
- Sugar
- 5 g
- Sodium
- 364 mg16% DV
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA). Values are estimates — see our nutrition data sources.
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Written by
Emma Rose — Recipe developer & food photographer
Hi, I'm Emma! I cook, bake and photograph everything you see here from my little home kitchen. My recipes are simple, reliable and made for real life.
