Delightful Caprese Salad with Grape Tomatoes: An Easy Summer Italian Classic

Since its initial sharing in 2009, this recipe for Caprese Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil has captured hearts and taste buds across the web. The reason for its enduring popularity is simple: it’s an exceptionally delicious dish that is astonishingly easy to prepare, bringing a burst of fresh, authentic Italian flavor to any meal. This vibrant Caprese salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.

While a Caprese salad is wonderful year-round, its true magic shines during the warmer months when garden-fresh tomatoes are at their absolute peak. Imagine biting into a juicy, sun-ripened tomato, bursting with natural sweetness – that’s the foundation of an unforgettable Caprese. I remember the summer I first shared this recipe; it was a season of unparalleled abundance. The perfect balance of rain and warm, sunny days led to an incredible harvest, with buckets overflowing with ripe, flavorful tomatoes. It was a joy to transform such bounty into this delightful dish, creating an Italian classic that’s both simple and profoundly satisfying.

The Timeless Appeal of Caprese: A Culinary Icon from Capri

Caprese salad, or Insalata Caprese, hails from the picturesque Italian island of Capri. More than just a salad, it’s an edible representation of the Italian flag, with its vibrant red tomatoes, milky white mozzarella, and verdant green basil leaves. This iconic dish embodies the philosophy of Italian cuisine: simplicity, freshness, and the celebration of seasonal produce. Traditionally, Caprese involves thick slices of ripe beefsteak or Roma tomatoes, layered alternately with fresh mozzarella and large basil leaves, then drizzled with exquisite extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

However, this beloved version takes a delightful turn by incorporating sweet grape tomatoes. While the classic presentation is undeniably elegant and perfect for formal settings, using smaller, halved tomatoes offers a charming, rustic appeal and an unparalleled convenience, making it ideal for casual gatherings, a quick weeknight meal, or a vibrant lunch. All the fundamental, harmonious flavors remain intact, but the experience becomes more bite-sized, accessible, and versatile.

Crafting the Perfect Caprese: The Power of Quality Ingredients

The secret to an extraordinary Caprese salad lies entirely in the quality of its components. There are no complex cooking techniques or exotic spices to mask inferior ingredients; each element must stand on its own merits, contributing its unique texture and flavor to the symphony.

1. The Tomatoes: Sweetness from the Vine

For this specific recipe, grape or cherry tomatoes are the undisputed stars. Their small size makes them perfect for tossing and ensures each bite is a delightful burst of concentrated, sweet flavor. When selecting tomatoes, always look for plump, firm ones with taut, glossy skins. They should feel heavy for their size and emit a wonderfully sweet, earthy aroma. While any ripe tomato can theoretically work, the intense sweetness and juiciness of grape or cherry varieties, especially when perfectly ripe and in season, truly elevate this salad to another level. Halving them not only makes them easier to eat but also releases their precious juices, which then mingle beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a flavorful dressing base.

2. The Mozzarella: Creamy Italian Gold

The choice of mozzarella is paramount to achieving that authentic Caprese experience. Opt for fresh imported Italian mozzarella, ideally mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella) for its unparalleled creaminess, delicate flavor, and slightly tangy notes. If authentic buffalo mozzarella is unavailable, high-quality fresh cow’s milk mozzarella (often sold in brine or water in specialty cheese shops or the gourmet section of your supermarket) is an excellent alternative. Crucially, avoid the drier, rubbery, pre-shredded varieties often found in the regular dairy aisle, as they lack the moisture, texture, and sublime flavor essential for a truly remarkable Caprese. Cutting the mozzarella into 1/4 to 1/2-inch cubes ensures a perfect textural and flavor balance with the halved grape tomatoes.

3. The Basil: Aromatic Freshness and Fragrance

Fresh basil leaves are absolutely non-negotiable for a genuine Caprese. Their vibrant green hue, slightly peppery, and sweet aroma are the unmistakable hallmarks of this classic Italian salad. For the best flavor and to prevent bruising, which can turn the leaves dark and diminish their aroma, gently tear the basil leaves into large pieces rather than chopping them with a knife. This method helps to preserve the delicate oils and aromatics within the leaves. Aim for large, healthy, unblemished leaves for maximum visual and aromatic impact.

4. The Olive Oil: Liquid Gold from the Mediterranean

A generous drizzle of high-quality Extra Virgin, First Pressed Italian Olive Oil is not merely a dressing; it’s a fundamental flavor enhancer and a binding agent that harmonizes all the ingredients. Look for cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil from a reputable source, ideally one that boasts a rich, fruity aroma and a slightly peppery finish. Its robust, sometimes grassy notes add incredible depth and richness without overpowering the delicate flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella. This is truly not the place to skimp on oil quality; a good olive oil can transform the entire dish.

5. The Seasoning: Simplicity is Key to Flavor Magnification

A generous sprinkle of good quality Italian or Kosher sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is all that’s truly needed. The salt plays a crucial role in enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balancing the richness of the mozzarella. Freshly ground pepper, with its pungent warmth and aromatic complexity, provides a subtle counterpoint that rounds out the flavor profile beautifully. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning to your personal preference.

6. The Balsamic Touch: Optional Elevation

While some purists argue that traditional Caprese salads omit vinegar, a tablespoon of good quality balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a slightly milder flavor profile) adds a wonderful tang and depth. This acidity beautifully complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese, providing an extra layer of complexity that many find irresistible. It’s a personal preference that can truly elevate the salad experience.

Why This Grape Tomato Caprese Shines

With a bountiful harvest of grape tomatoes, transforming them into this version of Caprese becomes an intuitive and wonderfully rewarding choice. Unlike slicing larger tomatoes, which can sometimes be messy and requires more careful plating to maintain an elegant presentation, this salad is wonderfully free-form and robust. It’s a joy to scoop by the fork or spoon, making it perfectly suited for a casual potluck, a relaxed family dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer platter. The small, uniform pieces of tomato and mozzarella ensure that every single bite delivers a harmonious, balanced blend of all the glorious flavors and textures.

And let’s not forget the crucial accompaniment: fresh Italian bread. Passing around slices of crusty Italian bread allows guests to not only spoon some of the delightful Caprese salad on top but, more importantly, to sop up every last drop of the exquisite flavored olive oil that accumulates at the bottom of the serving bowl. This oil, infused with the sweet juices of the tomatoes, the fragrant essence of basil, and a hint of balsamic, is pure, unadulterated heaven – a testament to the magic that simple, fresh ingredients can create.

This salad truly captures the essence of “La Bella Vita” – the beautiful life – through its simplicity, vibrant colors, and unparalleled taste. It’s an ode to the joys of summer and the timeless culinary traditions of Italy, inviting everyone to experience a taste of Italian sunshine.

Roz’s Caprese Salad with Grape Tomatoes, Mozzarella & Basil

This is an exceptionally delicious and easy summer salad to prepare whether for yourself, family, and/or guests.  They will rave about this and thank you for sharing it with them!

Ingredients

• 4 – 5 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in halves
• 1 lb. fresh imported Italian mozzarella, cut into 1/4 – 1/2″ cubes
• 1/4 cup extra virgin, first pressed Italian olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a more mild flavor)
• 10 – 15 large fresh basil leaves (to taste)
• Italian or Kosher sea salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh Italian bread

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the halved grape or cherry tomatoes, the cubed fresh mozzarella, the extra virgin olive oil, and the balsamic vinegar. Toss lightly with a spoon or your hands to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and flavors begin to meld.
2. Take the fresh basil leaves and gently tear them into large, rustic pieces. Add these aromatic basil pieces to the salad and toss again gently to distribute their fragrance and flavor throughout the dish.
3. Season the salad generously with Italian or Kosher sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a moderate amount, then taste and adjust the seasoning to your personal preference, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
4. Serve the Caprese salad immediately to enjoy its freshest and most vibrant flavors. While it can be refrigerated for a short period (up to an hour), it’s best consumed soon after preparation. If refrigerating, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal taste and texture.
5. Accompany this delightful salad with slices of fresh, crusty Italian bread. This is perfect not only for scooping up the salad but, more importantly, for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, flavored olive oil that will gather at the bottom of the bowl – a truly heavenly experience!

Beyond the Recipe: More Italian Delights from Our Cucina

It’s our profound pleasure to share these cherished, time-tested family recipes with ‘amore’ – with love – directly from our cucina and our acreage to your home. Each dish we present is a piece of our heritage, designed to bring joy and authentic Italian flavors to your table, creating memorable meals and moments.

Do you enjoy the culinary journey with La Bella Vita Cucina? We’d absolutely love to have you as a cherished part of our growing community! Join us for more delicious recipes, heartwarming stories, and inspiration for living the beautiful life inspired by timeless Italian traditions.