A vibrant, no-cook caprese salad made with juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and a glossy balsamic glaze. Ready in minutes and perfect for summer.
1.5lbheirloom tomatoesmixed colors, cored and sliced 0.5 inch thick
12ozfresh mozzarellasliced 0.5 inch thick
0.5cupfresh basil leavessmall leaves left whole, larger leaves torn
2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
1tbspbalsamic glazestore-bought or homemade
0.75tspkosher saltto taste
0.5tspfreshly ground black pepper
0.25tspflaky sea saltfor finishing, optional
4slicecrusty breadfor serving, optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Slice the heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into even 0.5 inch rounds. Pat tomato slices dry with a paper towel to minimize excess moisture.
On a large platter, alternate tomato and mozzarella slices in overlapping rows or a circular pattern.
Tuck whole or torn basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella so every bite has a bit of basil.
Season evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and then the balsamic glaze over the salad.
Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt if using. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Notes
For best flavor, use ripe, room-temperature tomatoes and high-quality olive oil. Swap mozzarella with burrata for an ultra-creamy version. If making ahead, slice and arrange tomatoes and mozzarella up to 2 hours in advance, refrigerate covered, then add basil, seasonings, and drizzles just before serving.