Insalata Caprese is arguably one of the most recognized seasonal salads featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper. The only way I could imagine improving on this simple, mouthwatering classic is to make it bite-size! Bite-size Insalata Caprese uses summer’s sweet cherry and pear tomatoes along with the traditional ingredients in mini size for an easy to prepare salad all will love!
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.
Insalata Caprese (literally translated from Italian as the ‘salad of Capri), is crafted to bear resemblance in color to the Italian flag in red, green and white. You’ll find it to be a staple on the starter menu for most Italian restaurants. It is served commonly as an appetizer versus a side dish.
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.
With the varieties of cherry and pear tomatoes available, it’s easy to make a colorful version of Bite-Size Insalate Caprese to entice the eyes as well as the palate. The intense sweetness of the tomatoes will surely make a tomato-lover out of the most reluctant of eaters too!
With tomatoes harvesting well into early fall this salad brings the celebration of summer into busy weeknight meals thanks to it’s speedy preparation, as well as makes it a candidate for lunch boxes when kids head back to school. Having everything in mini size is fun for kids and in my experience, intriguing to their lunch table crew too. I’ve had multiple emails about this being in my kid’s lunchboxes from other moms wanting the recipe (pin it here to save for fall!).
Bite-Size Insalata Caprese
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 fresh Basil Leaves , hand torn into small pieces
- Olive oil to drizzle (1-2 tablespoons)
- Kosher Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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.
Recipe Notes
*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.
Toby @ Plate Fodder says
Beautiful… just beautiful!
One of my favorite salads – such simple ingredients, but such a huge payoff in flavor!
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
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!
The Mom Chef says
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.
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
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.
Kitchen Riffs says
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.
Toni @ boulder Locavore says
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!
Spicie Foodie says
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:)
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
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!
Cooking with Michele says
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!
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
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'!)
All That I'm Eating says
This is beautiful Toni. I love the different shaped tomatoes you have going on and all the colours too. A wonderful summer salad.
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
Thanks Caroline! Everything tastes to good at this time of year. Nothing like a summer tomato!
ping says
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. 🙂
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
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!
Sara @ The Cozy Herbivore says
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!
Angie's Recipes says
This is a beautiful summer salad after my own heart, Toni.
Awesome clicks too.
Françoise says
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!
Susan says
For some reason I can’t fathom, this sounds much nicer and tastier than the usual version. I can easily see making this and enjoying it.
Toni Dash says
I think it’s because it’s miniature! Something about tiny food LOL! Also no slicing tomatoes or mozzarella. Easy peasy.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Oh how yummy looking! It’s so light and fresh. What a great dish for summer.
Pam says
This is one of my favorite salads. I love how refreshing it is during the summer months,
Marcie W. says
There is something about a good caprese that is just as satisfying as it is refreshing. I typically add a bit of balsamic to the mix as well.
Toni Dash says
I love balsamic in it too!
Liz Mays says
Mmm, those flavors would be so nice and refreshing. This would be an amazing salad to make.
Val says
This looks really good, I haven’t tried it before, but I like tomatoes so thinking it would be a good addition to try in my home.
Toni Dash says
It is sure to become your new summer favorite Val!
Kristi says
Love the colors, the perfect summer salad/dish and sooo good for you too!
Crystal says
I know you’re not a therapist or anything, but I have a relationship woe I need to get off my chest. My husband doesn’t like tomatoes. Do I think “More for me?” Or should I be really worried?
Toni Dash says
Well I feel your pain. The lack of love for tomatoes runs through the male lineage on my maternal side of the family too. And my daughter inherited it. I’m in the ‘more for me’ camp personally especially with summer vine-ripened tomatoes!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I pretty much live on salads for summer and I will definitely make insalata caprese served a nice bottle of wine! 🙂
Toni Dash says
Yum!
Amanda Love says
I love this salad! It’s perfect for the summer because it’s easy to make and it’s light! Tomatoes make this especially refreshing as well! I like the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
We were just talking about Caprese Salads the other day.
This one looks great – I plan to share this with my dad, as he has been on a diet that reduces gluten and sugar.
Toni says
This looks so good! it would be great for an easy lunch or a side dish for dinner.
Coolchillmom says
There really is nothing like a fresh Insalata Capresse. It complements just about any main dish
Toni Dash says
I agree completely, especially during the summer!
Nicole Escat says
I love the colors. I love eating salad too, I can’t believe you can incorporate your country’s colors to it.
Colleen Lanin says
Such a beautiful and easy salad!
Latoicha says
I love caprese salad! it is one of my favorites. Now I can make it at home. Thanks for sharing the recipe.