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This is the real deal in regard to Italian Caprese Salad – Insalata Caprese. There are numerous varieties for presentation of this appetizer/salad, including my Caprese Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Basil. But the most authentic way to prepare “Insalata Caprese” is extremely simple and delightful. Especially in these summer months when tomatoes and basil are at their freshest!
As the name implies, this salad originated on the isle of Capri, off the west coast of Italy.
Capri has been a very popular resort in the last century for celebrities, artists and writers. One of the most famous sites to see is the breathtaking Blue Grotto. A beautiful small island that is a must to see when visiting Southern Italy.
The colors of of this Italian salad include red, white, and green which are the colors of Italy’s flag, which makes it a little bit more “Italian”. Most of all, Insalata Caprese, encompasses the pure, delicious simplicity of Italian cuisine at its utmost!
Caprese Salad -- Insalata Caprese
Ingredients
- Fresh Roma or small-sized tomatoes, sliced about 1/4″ thick
- Fresh, soft buffalo mozzarella cheese, sliced about 1/4″ thick
- Fresh whole basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground Italian sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh garlic cloves
Instructions
- Lay the sliced tomatoes on a platter.
- Layer the mozzarella slices on top of the tomato slices.
- Lay one to two large whole basil leaves on top of the tomato and cheese slices.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Sprinkle the freshly ground Italian sea salt and black pepper over everything.
- Serve with a small loaf of baguettes, sliced about 1/2″ thick.
- Rub fresh garlic all over the tops of each slice.
Notes
- ** We also enjoy a great balsamic vinegar drizzled all over the Caprese. It’s wonderful!
** We also enjoy a great balsamic vinegar drizzled all over the Caprese. It’s wonderful!
Lovely, fresh, delicious.
The simplicity of Italian cuisine at its best
I can’t wait to make this with fresh tomatoes from my garden!! The first ones are turning red!
lovely simple and perfect Italian
Looks wonderful. Very similar to the things my grandma prepared when I was a child.
We were just talking about how simple this recipe is, and how awesome it taste. Yeah awesome………..
Yum. I am definitely trying some of your recipes!!!
Wow…that looks soo good!
😉
I love this salad and make it often. It’s easy, but so delicious.
That looks so yummy! I love fresh basil. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Hi Roz,
What a beautiful presentation of Insalata Caprese. It looks so delicious in that wonderful oil and all those wonderful herbs. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again real soon. Hope you are having a great week!
Miz Helen
I’m still drinking my morning coffee, but this looks so delicious, I think I could eat it right now! Popping over from Miz Helen’s!
Congratulations Roz,
You are featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Enjoy your feature and have a wonderful week end!
Miz Helen
Looks delicious, your photo is beautiful!
-Lynn
I love your blog and your name. My mother’s name was Roslyn and was called Roz by her family. I’ve always liked that name and would have named a daughter Roslyn, but I had only boys.
By the way my husband and I live in Raleigh and have a summer place in Cape Breton, NS. We’re spending 3 weeks in Italy come September—our first visit except for Rome where we’ve both spent a short time.