This easy caprese salad recipe with homemade basil-infused olive oil is just to-die-for! Simple, fresh and so good on a hot day.
If you’re looking for more fresh (and addictive) tomato salad ideas like this easy caprese salad, also try my Marinated Tomato Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad and Mediterranean Tomato Feta Salad.
Or, if you’re looking for another caprese salad recipe, also try this cantaloupe caprese salad.
How to Make Caprese Salad
- Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella. Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into even slices.
- Arrange on a Plate. Layer the tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a plate.
- Season and Drizzle. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle with basil olive oil (and balsamic glaze if you like).
(View more: Salad Recipes)
How to Make Homemade Basil Olive Oil
There’s a good chance that extra virgin olive oil is my number one most used cooking ingredient. I literally use it with just about everything.
With all of that in mind, here’s how you can make your own homemade basil olive oil to pair with this caprese salad.
- Blend. Blend fresh basil leaves with extra virgin olive oil until smooth.
- Simmer. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and simmer for about 45 seconds.
- Strain and Settle. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, then again through a coffee filter. Let the basil oil sit at room temperature for a few hours to settle.
(You may also like: Chunky Cucumber Tomato Salad)
Easy Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 12 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup olive oil
- store-bought balsamic glaze, optional
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and basil to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella slices on a plate.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle with basil olive oil and balsamic glaze (if using).
- Decorate with extra fresh basil leaves and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Yummy Tomato Recipes
I have plenty more where that came from, starting with these three favorites:
- Oven Sun Dried Tomatoes Using Cherry Tomatoes – Who knew that the best sun dried tomatoes I’ve ever had would actually be made with an oven?
- Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Pasta with Grilled Chicken Breast – This protein-packed recipe really does do it all; the creamy alfredo pasta is simply to die for.
- Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic – It’s as simple as the title says, but this recipe has completely changed my way of cooking! It’s incredible with pasta, on toast, or with other tapas-style dishes.
How long will the basil oil keep? Does it need to be refrigerated