I now do not recall my first introduction to Insalata Caprese but it was love at first bite for me. A simple, fresh salad of Italian origin made only of tomatoes (usually slices), freshly made mozzarella cheese (which if you have not had, do not confuse it with processed mozzarella; totally different animal), fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. If ordering it at a restaurant anywhere in the world you’d expect a plate of several individually architected ‘bites’ (really larger than one bite) of a tomato slice, a thick slice of mozzarella matching the tomato slice in size, a basil leaf and drizzle of olive oil that slinks underneath the tomato providing a kiss of oil to both sides of the salad.
To me this is really the only time of year to make this salad. To enjoy it in its highest and most flavorful form, it requires the vine ripened tomatoes and fresh garden basil. Its simplicity is certainly part of the salad’s charm, as well as being able to be whipped up in less than 10 minutes.
Our tots all file back to school this week into promised sweltering classrooms which we’ve received lists of suggestions about how to manage. It signals the time of year when simple, quick, flavorful dishes are a must and often challenging to the lunch-preparing parent. I have a version of Insalata Caprese that lessens the preparation a bit and is perfect for any meal, adult or child. Using a variety of the currently ripe cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls this salad becomes a mini version easy to consume with no cutting as well.
BITE-SIZE INSALATE CAPRESE
In the traditional Caprese salad (the bigger version) red tomatoes are used exclusively. There are so many varieties of cherry tomatoes it would be a shame to discriminate and lose the beautiful color and flavor in this version. I used a mix from a local farm that contained red cherry tomatoes, yellow pear, orange and a purple/black variety. Fresh garden basil makes this a full celebration of summer for me. I hope you’ll agree!
Yield: 3 cups approximately
Ingredients:
· 1 pint of cherry tomatoes (preferably mixed varieties), rinsed and de-stemmed
· 1-8 ounce container of fresh Ciliegine mozzarella in water (cherry sized), drained*
· 6 large basil leaves, hand torn into small pieces
· Olive oil to drizzle (1-2 tablespoons)
· Salt and pepper to taste
*Unless you have a fresh source for the mozzarella you can find it in the cheese or dairy section in your grocery store in a plastic tub filled with water. If you are unable to find the cherry size, you can always substitute regular fresh mozzarella and cut it into bite sized pieces to match the volume of the tomatoes.
1. In a large bowl place tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the salad to fully coat. Serve at room temperature to enjoy the fullest flavor.
Beautiful… just beautiful!
One of my favorite salads – such simple ingredients, but such a huge payoff in flavor!
Thank you Toby. I know how much you appreciate the 'good bones' of ingredients in a recipe as I do. Each time I have this salad when I have not for some time I'm reminded how great it is. So simple. Thanks for popping by!
I could probably live on a dish like this. I adore summer tomatoes and cheese and basil. Any dish with those three is a winner and this one definitely fits that bill. It looks amazing.
I feel the same way. I love eating a generous portion, feeling sated but not stuffed. The ingredients are so clean and yummy. A testament to what quality ingredients can produce.
You're so right about this being peak season for caprese. Your version looks so pretty – the cherry tomatoes and little balls of mozzarella look so nice together. I haven't made caprese yet this year, and although my basil really suffered in the heat (weird; basil normally handles heat well), I do have just enough at the moment to make a salad. Nice to pair with fresh corn! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you! I'm sorry about your basil and agree usually it thrives in heat. It HAS been a weird year with all the heat and weeks of wildfire smoke for us (not sure if or how that affects plants). There are a number of dishes I relish and only make at this time of year as you mentioned. It's just not the same any other time. And with corn; perfect!
What a beautiful Caprese, one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen. Using bite-size tomatoes and cheese makes it look adorable. Thanks for sharing:)
You are too kind! Mini food is awfully cute isn't it? This is pretty darling especially with all the colors. Really makes one want to eat it! Thanks for visiting!
I like to serve bite size Caprese like this as a single bite appetizer for a party – I skewer a small tomato, piece of mozzarella, and a basil leaf on a toothpick and drizzle with balsamic glaze or dressing. The perfect Italian bite!
What a perfect idea Michele! I love the larger version of this but it's not manageable for portability. It would be fun to make skewers for lunches (though for kids I'm sure that could lead to some lunchtime battles and a note to Mom about 'no weapons in lunch boxes please'!)
This is beautiful Toni. I love the different shaped tomatoes you have going on and all the colours too. A wonderful summer salad.
Thanks Caroline! Everything tastes to good at this time of year. Nothing like a summer tomato!
Another gorgeous salad! You're really tempting me big time, Toni. First it's the fresh peaches that's expensive to get … if I find any and now fresh mozzarella … we also have those but again, they cost one of my limbs
3 blinking balls for a limb. Tsk. And I do know what I'm missing because I've had them back when in the states and in Italy. So don't be too surprise if you find drool on your pic … gross, I know, lame, yes, don't care. 
I really am not trying to drive you out of house and home Ping! Nor to tease! Sounds like maybe another trip to Italy would solve that probably for you. Everything would be readily available!
Absolutely gorgeous– and I love that you did a bite-sized version of the classic. I love caprese salads, but they can be a bit awkward, cutting through the slabs of tomato and cheese and basil. This looks like a perfect lunch– I do believe I'll throw it together with my gorgeous CSA cherry tomatoes!
This is a beautiful summer salad after my own heart, Toni.
Awesome clicks too.
Gorgeous photos and an awesome recipe – so yummy and yet so simple! We're enjoying the Mediterranean sun here (in France) and I'd love having your salad tonight!