Simple Mozzarella Caprese Salad Recipe

 Today I have a really yummy appetizer to hold the family over before the main dish. This Mozzarella Caprese Salad is one of my all time favorite dishes!

Let me put y’all on real quick—Caprese salad is that quiet, elegant baddie that always shows up lookin’ fresh, simple, and so extra without doing too much. I remember the first time I tried one at a networking event when I was working my corporate job. Everyone else was over at the carving station, and I was posted up at the appetizer table, living my best life with a little plate of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and balsamic glaze that had me in a full-blown flavor trance. And ever since then? I’ve been hooked. My kids might still give side-eye to basil, but I stay making this for myself when I want something light, fresh, and giving grown woman energy.

Ingredients

Fresh mozzarella – soft, creamy, and the heart of this whole thing
Ripe tomatoes – rope tomatoes are great, but you can get colorful and use heirlooms too
Fresh basil – the brighter, the better (and yes, fresh basil only!)
Extra virgin olive oil – or basil-infused oil if you’re feeling extra
Balsamic glaze – that sweet and tangy drizzle that brings it all together
Freshly ground black pepper – adds that little kick and finishes it off right

How to Make It

Start by slicing your tomatoes, not too thin—we want them juicy and full-bodied, just like we like our salads. Then slice up that fresh mozzarella into pieces that match the tomato thickness.

On a pretty platter or your favorite serving plate, alternate the slices of tomato and mozzarella, overlapping them slightly so you get that perfect peek of both.

Next up, the basil. You can go two ways: either tuck full leaves in between the tomato and mozzarella slices for a classic look, or if you’re feeling fancy, stack the basil leaves, roll them up like a little burrito, and slice into thin ribbons. Sprinkle that basil confetti all over the top.

Now comes the drizzle moment—a little olive oil across the top (basil oil if you’re doing the most), and a solid swirl of balsamic glaze.

Finish with a dash of freshly ground black pepper, and boom—salad is served!

My First Caprese Moment & Why I’m Still Obsessed

At that corporate event, I was in heels, holding a cocktail in one hand and balancing a tiny plate in the other. I took one bite of that Caprese salad and was like, Wait a minute, why haven’t I been eating this forever? It was light but flavorful, elegant but easy—and I felt like I was eating something straight outta Italy. After that, I started making it at home whenever I needed something quick but cute.

Caprese is one of those dishes that feels like you put in effort, but really, it’s just a few quality ingredients doing all the work. Whether it’s a solo lunch on the patio, a side dish at your next dinner party, or a starter for date night, this salad is a whole mood.

Why This is Always the Right Move

This Caprese salad is fresh, fast, and looks like you got it from a bougie restaurant, but really you just sliced a few things and gave it a drizzle. It’s great for summer, perfect for when you want something light before a big meal, and honestly? It’s just pretty. Add it to your next cookout, your girls’ night spread, or that moment when you just want to feel a little fancy without turning on the stove. You deserve that.

Here are some more amazing appetizers to check out: