Caprese salad epitomizes Italian summer: simple, fresh, and colorful. This globally famous dish uses only a few ingredients yet bursts with flavor. Its vibrant colors—green basil, white mozzarella, and red tomatoes—honor the Italian flag and celebrate the essence of Italy’s culinary tradition.
The history of caprese salad
The Caprese salad originated on the beautiful island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples. Known for its stunning vistas and landmarks like Villa Malaparte and the Blue Grotto, Capri provides the perfect backdrop for this iconic dish. According to one legend, a patriotic bricklayer invented the salad, using ingredients that mirrored the Italian flag. Another tale credits the dish to the “Quisisana” hotel, where it was created in the 1920s to suit the carb-free preferences of Futurist movement leader Filippo Tommaso Marinetti. Regardless of its true origins, Caprese salad has become a beloved staple of Italian cuisine.
The original caprese salad
The authentic Caprese salad consists of beefsteak tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, salt, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The tomatoes should be ripe and flavorful, while the mozzarella, ideally a DOP product from Campania, adds a rich, creamy texture. According to island lore, this is the version that delighted King Farouk of Egypt during his 1951 visit to Capri.
Modern variations of caprese salad
Though the classic Caprese uses specific ingredients, modern interpretations abound. Some versions substitute mozzarella bocconcini or Parmigiano Reggiano for the traditional buffalo mozzarella. Others use cherry tomatoes or green tomatoes instead of beefsteak tomatoes. Variations also include additions like capers, olives, anchovies, tuna, bresaola, pesto, or even avocado and lime for an exotic twist. Despite these adaptations, the Caprese salad remains a testament to Italian culinary excellence.
Tips for a perfect caprese
- Choose fresh buffalo mozzarella. If unavailable, use fresh fiordilatte mozzarella.
- Keep mozzarella at room temperature to retain its flavor and texture.
- Use organic tomatoes. Ripe, crunchy tomatoes enhance the dish.
- Cut tomato slices evenly.
- Dry tomatoes and mozzarella to remove excess water.
- Salt only the tomatoes. Adding salt to mozzarella can alter its taste.
- Use Neapolitan basil, breaking the leaves by hand and adding them just before serving.
- Drizzle good quality extra virgin olive oil. A little goes a long way.
- Avoid additional seasonings like mayonnaise or vinegar that overpower the dish’s natural flavors.
- Use oregano sparingly, if at all, to avoid masking the core flavors.
The recipe of italian Caprese
Ingredients
- 800g beefsteak tomatoes
- 800g buffalo mozzarella from Campania
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Directions
- Wash the tomatoes and remove the green stalk. Rinse the basil and set it aside.
- Slice both the tomatoes and mozzarella lengthwise.
- Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a plate.
- Mix olive oil and a pinch of salt in a bowl and pour over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Just before serving, garnish with basil leaves.
- Serve the Caprese at room temperature.
Enjoy your Caprese salad! This dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine in every bite.
