Classic Caprese Salad Recipe: Ina Garten’s Summer Favorite

Ina Garten Caprese Salad represents the pinnacle of summer’s simplest culinary pleasures, blending vibrant Mediterranean flavors into a single stunning dish.

Italian cuisine shines through this classic combination of fresh ingredients that dance together with remarkable harmony.

Each carefully selected component brings its own remarkable character to the plate, creating a sensory experience that feels both elegant and effortless.

Her signature approach transforms basic ingredients into something truly extraordinary, elevating a traditional recipe with her renowned finesse.

The magic happens when ripe tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fragrant herbs intersect in perfect proportion.

Colors pop with brilliant red and pristine white, making the salad as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why Caprese Salad Is Always a Classic

• Savor Vibrant Freshness: This Caprese salad bursts with crisp, garden-fresh ingredients that capture the essence of summer in every bite, delivering a delightful mix of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
• Master Effortless Elegance: The recipe showcases a simple yet sophisticated preparation method that requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice home chefs to create a restaurant-quality dish with just a few high-quality ingredients.
• Celebrate Quick Versatility: This salad serves as a perfect appetizer, side dish, or light meal that can be whipped up in minutes, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings, picnics, or a quick lunch that doesn't compromise on flavor or presentation.
• Enjoy Nutritious Simplicity: Packed with fresh vegetables and proteins, the Caprese salad offers a healthy option that feels indulgent while providing essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free pleasure that doesn't sacrifice taste for nutrition.

All the Ingredients for Tomato-Mozzarella Perfection

• Tomatoes: Ripe, colorful tomatoes with rich, sweet flavor and firm texture are the star of this classic salad.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy, soft Italian cheese that provides a mild, delicate taste and smooth texture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright green herb with peppery, aromatic flavor that adds freshness and classic Italian character.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality, rich oil that enhances flavors and provides smooth, silky coating for the salad.
• Sea Salt: Flaky, pure salt that brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes and balances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper that adds subtle heat and depth to the salad's taste profile.

• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet, tangy reduction that adds glossy finish and concentrated flavor to the traditional Caprese presentation.

How to Build a Traditional Caprese Plate

Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients

Select ripe, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant fresh basil leaves. Look for the brightest, most colorful produce at your local market or garden.

Step 2: Slice with Care

Carefully slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even, elegant rounds. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick to create a beautiful layered presentation.

Step 3: Arrange Artfully

Create a stunning display on a serving platter by alternating tomato and mozzarella slices in a circular or overlapping pattern. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.

Step 4: Drizzle and Season

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Gently drizzle the dressing over the arranged salad, allowing it to cascade between the layers.

Step 5: Finish with Flourish

Scatter additional torn basil leaves across the top of the salad. For an extra touch, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Present the Caprese salad at room temperature to maximize the fresh flavors. Enjoy within 30 minutes of preparation for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Choosing the Best Mozzarella and Basil

• Select Premium Ingredients: Choose ripe, vibrant tomatoes and high-quality fresh mozzarella for an authentic caprese salad that bursts with flavor.
• Slice with Precision: Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into uniform, thin slices to create an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
• Maximize Basil Freshness: Tear fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their delicate aroma and prevent bruising.
• Balance Olive Oil Quality: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil that's fruity and peppery to elevate the salad's overall taste profile.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Enjoy the caprese salad at room temperature to ensure the most vibrant and harmonious blend of flavors.

How to Keep Caprese Salad Fresh and Bright

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract air completely from a specialized bag using a vacuum sealer, pressing fresh mozzarella and tomatoes gently. Prevents moisture buildup and extends salad's crisp texture for maximum freshness up to 3 days.
• Glass Container Technique: Transfer salad into a clean, transparent glass container with a tight-sealing lid. Layer ingredients strategically to minimize moisture contact, keeping basil leaves separate from tomatoes to prevent wilting and maintain vibrant colors.
• Cool Compartment Strategy: Position salad in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer, which maintains consistent temperature around 40-45°F. Protect delicate ingredients from temperature fluctuations and prevent premature spoilage, ensuring optimal taste and texture for 48 hours.

Variations to Elevate a Simple Caprese

• Mediterranean Herb Caprese: Enhance the classic salad by adding fresh basil leaves, oregano, and a sprinkle of chopped rosemary for an aromatic herbaceous flavor profile.
• Grilled Vegetable Caprese: Lightly char tomatoes and mozzarella on a grill to create smoky depth, then drizzle with aged balsamic reduction for extra complexity.
• Pesto-Infused Caprese: Blend fresh basil pesto directly into the salad, creating a creamy green sauce that coats each ingredient with intense Italian-inspired flavors.
• Spicy Chili Caprese: Incorporate thinly sliced red chili peppers and a dash of red pepper flakes to give the traditional recipe a zesty, warm kick that complements the fresh ingredients.

Recap: The Beauty of Caprese Simplicity

Culinary magic blooms with Ina Garten’s caprese salad, a Mediterranean masterpiece that whispers summer’s secrets.

Ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil dance together in a symphony of simple elegance.

Classic ingredients merge into an extraordinary palette of flavors, celebrating Italian culinary heritage.

Fresh herbs and premium olive oil elevate this dish from ordinary to spectacular.

Garten’s signature touch transforms basic components into a sensational experience that delights palates.

Passionate cooks, let this recipe inspire kitchen creativity – share its deliciousness, spark conversations, and spread joy through each colorful, delectable bite.

Ina Garten Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Caprese salad celebrates Italian summer flavors with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzled with quality olive oil and balsamic glaze, this simple recipe brings Mediterranean charm to your table with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds (not cores) removed
• 16 ounces (453 grams) fresh salted mozzarella
• 12 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) good olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 ½ tablespoons (22 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Dressing and Garnish:

• Additional olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Combine chopped vegetables, minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced chili peppers in a large preserving pan, allowing them to slowly release natural juices over medium heat.
2. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for approximately 60 minutes (1 hour), occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of vegetables.
3. Incorporate remaining ingredients into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously until granulated sugar completely dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
4. Remove lid and continue cooking at a rolling boil for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently to develop a thick, chunky texture and eliminate excess liquid.
5. Monitor the chutney closely during the final cooking stage, using a wooden spoon to prevent ingredients from scorching or adhering to the bottom of the preserving pan.
6. Carefully transfer the hot chutney into sterilized glass jars (approximately or 450 grams each) using a clean funnel to minimize spills and potential burns.
7. Immediately seal jars with sterilized screw-top lids while the chutney remains piping hot, ensuring a proper vacuum seal for long-term preservation.

Notes

• Butter works magic on pan surfaces, creating a non-stick shield that prevents stubborn pie sticking.
• Sizzling beef transforms from pale to rich brown, releasing deep umami flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Patience matters when cooling meat mixtures, allowing temperatures to settle and preventing soggy cream cheese layers.
• Mixing ingredients at room temperature helps blend seamlessly, ensuring smooth and consistent texture throughout.
• Fresh herbs sprinkled on top can brighten the entire dish, adding a burst of color and unexpected freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg