Classic Caprese Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Italian simplicity: just a few perfect ingredients, treated with care.
• Zero cooking: ideal for warm days or last-minute entertaining.
• Bright, clean flavors: creamy buffalo mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and peppery basil.
• Fast and elegant: beautiful on a platter, ready in 20 minutes.

Grocery List

• Produce: 2 large ripe tomatoes, fresh basil
• Dairy: 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella
• Pantry: extra-virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano

Full Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large ripe tomatoes (about 14–16 oz/400–450 g total), cored
• 8 oz (225 g) fresh buffalo mozzarella, drained
• 20 fresh basil leaves (about 10 g), plus a few extra for garnish

Seasoning & Finish

• 3 tbsp (45 ml) fruity extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/8 tsp dried oregano (a light sprinkle)

Optional (Serving)

• Crusty bread for dipping into the seasoned olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Temper and prep the mozzarella

Remove the buffalo mozzarella from its liquid and set it on a plate lined with a paper towel. Let it sit at cool room temperature for about 10 minutes so the flavor blooms. Gently pat dry to remove excess moisture—this helps the olive oil cling to the cheese and prevents watery pooling.

Step 2: Slice the tomatoes and cheese evenly

Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the tomatoes into neat 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds. Slice the mozzarella into 1/4-inch rounds as well. Even thickness ensures a balanced bite and a tidy presentation.

Step 3: Arrange the classic layers

On a wide platter (12-inch round or oval works well), alternate tomato and mozzarella slices in overlapping shingled rows or a ring. Tuck 1–2 basil leaves between each pairing so you get basil in every bite. Reserve a few small leaves for garnish.

Step 4: Season with salt and pepper

Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the tomatoes and mozzarella, then follow with the freshly cracked black pepper. Seasoning the tomatoes directly draws out their sweetness and juices.

Step 5: Flood with olive oil and whisper oregano

Drizzle, then generously pour the extra-virgin olive oil over the salad so it lightly pools on the platter. Finish with a delicate pinch (1/8 tsp) of dried oregano, crumbled between your fingertips to release its aroma. The oregano should be a subtle accent, not a dominant note.

Step 6: Rest, garnish, and serve

Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to mingle flavors. Garnish with the reserved basil leaves. Just before serving, spoon some of the seasoned oil from the platter over the top. Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature tomatoes for the best sweetness and aroma.
• Pat the mozzarella dry so the olive oil and seasonings adhere beautifully.
• Slice evenly (1/4 inch) for a clean look and consistent texture in every bite.
• Crush the dried oregano between your fingers to awaken its essential oils.
• Choose a fruity, medium-intensity extra-virgin olive oil—its flavor is the “sauce.”

Variations

• Heirloom Caprese: Use a mix of colorful heirloom tomatoes for a stunning platter and nuanced flavor.
• Cherry Caprese Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes, basil, and bocconcini onto skewers; season and oil as directed.
• Burrata Twist: Swap mozzarella for burrata; mound it in the center and ring with tomato rounds and basil.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Caprese is best assembled and enjoyed right away. For make-ahead, slice tomatoes and mozzarella up to 1 day in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers (mozzarella in its brine, tomatoes covered). Dry the mozzarella before plating. Wash and dry basil leaves, then wrap in a slightly damp paper towel and refrigerate in a zip-top bag for up to 24 hours. Once assembled, the salad keeps for up to 4 hours at cool room temperature; leftovers can be refrigerated for 1 day but will weep and lose texture. Bring leftovers to room temperature and re-season before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate: 275 calories; 21 g fat (7.5 g saturated); 6 g carbohydrates; 12 g protein; 450 mg sodium. Values will vary based on exact ingredients and salt level.