Refreshingly light and full of flavor, this tri-colored Italian appetizer requires just four simple ingredients and takes about five minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Italian appetizer is its simplicity — use the best-quality ingredients you can find, especially the olive oil.
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) package Ciliegine (small) mozzarella balls or bite-sized fresh mozzarella
- High-quality extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to make it
Drain the mozzarella, rinse the tomatoes, and lightly chop the basil. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella and tomatoes. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper, toss gently to combine, and finish with the chopped basil. Serve immediately.
Recipe tips
- Choose naturally sweet grape or cherry tomatoes — their small size and flavor work best.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Ciliegine mozzarella (small, cherry-size balls) is ideal and often found in the gourmet cheese section. If unavailable, cut fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
- Buffalo mozzarella offers a richer flavor; either regular fresh mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella works well in this antipasto.
Caprese salad is ideal when it’s too hot to cook — bright, fresh, and effortless.
Related recipes:
- Authentic Italian Bruschetta
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Margherita Nachos
- Classic Cheese Fondue
♥ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below — I love to hear from you!
Caprese Salad
Grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls lightly tossed with extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch.
5 from 3 votes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Author: Anecia Hero
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz. package Ciliegine mozzarella balls
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 1 package fresh basil
- extra virgin olive oil high-quality
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
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Drain the Ciliegine mozzarella and set aside. Rinse the grape tomatoes and chop the basil.
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In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella balls and grape tomatoes.
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Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil and toss gently to coat.
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Add chopped basil, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, toss again, and serve.
Notes
Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Nutrition Estimate
Serving: 2cups
Calories: 44kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g
Calories: 44kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g