This no-fuss Italian cherry tomato caprese salad is filled with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls. Ready in just 10 minutes (and no cooking required), this recipe from Italian culinary school is perfect for a quick side dish or summer dinner party.
Quick Look: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
- Servings: About 4 servings
- Kitchen Timing: Only 10 minutes (no cooking required!)
- Flavor Profile: Bursting with flavor from ripe, juicy, and slightly sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Leftover Tips: Leftovers will last about 3 - 4 days in the fridge.
- Skill Level: Beginner
- What You'll Learn: How to keep things simple, but packed with flavor.
- Why You'll Love This Recipe: It seems impossible to make a recipe that's so good with only 4 main ingredients. But that's the power of flavorful produce paired with only a handful of intentional ingredients.
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There's not much better than fresh, in-season summer tomatoes! When your garden is bursting with tomatoes, Italian caprese salad is the perfect dish to make.
After attending culinary school in Italy, I learned the importance of keeping food simple and allowing the ingredients to shine. That's exactly what we're doing with this cherry tomato mozzarella salad.
With this recipe, we're leaning into the simplicity. No added balsamic vinegar or glaze. I really want the tomatoes to shine through, which is why I've opted to keep the dressing simple. Just high-quality extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Soon after making this recipe, you'll learn why Italian food is some of the best! They stick to in-season ingredients and highlight what's already good about the food.
If you need more tomato recipe inspiration, check out my roasted candied tomatoes, grilled Italian bruschetta, or tomato focaccia appetizer bites. Or grab 10 of my favorite Italian recipes, sent straight to your inbox!
Ingredients You Need
- Cherry tomatoes: With cherry tomatoes being the star of the dish, you always want to choose the best fresh, in-season ones. You can also use grape or larger tomatoes; just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to fully dry the tomatoes after washing them so the caprese salad doesn't become watery.
- Mozzarella pearls: Both mozzarella pearls and bocconcini are a type of fresh mozzarella that add a unique texture and flavor. Make sure to drain off any brine they are stored in. Feel free to cut a large ball of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces instead of using pearls.
- Fresh basil: You'll want to chiffonade the basil, which means to thinly slice. This allows for a beautiful presenation and the perfect amount of basil in each bite. To chiffonade, stack the leaves, then tightly roll them. Using a sharp chef's knife, thinly slice.
- Morton kosher salt and black pepper: Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of this cherry tomato caprese salad. Tomatoes need enough salt to bring out their flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Be sure to use a high-quality bottle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor of the salad. I love Bertolli or Pompeian.
Check out the recipe card for exact measurements for each ingredient.
How To Make Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
Prior to starting on this dish, make sure to mise en place (a fancy chef word for having all your prep ready). This means, your tomatoes are washed and sliced into bite sized pieces and everything has been measured out.
Step 1: Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Then, drizzle with olive oil and stir until everything is combined. Always taste to ensure you like the level of seasoning. You can serve the caprese directly in the mixing bowl or place it in a serving bowl or platter.
Jessica's Expert Tips
- For a beautiful presentation, use cherry tomatoes with a variety of colors.
- You can quarter the cherry tomatoes instead of slicing them in half if they're large.
- Don't cut the basil too far in advance or you risk it discoloring.
- For an alternative flavor, try using garlic infused extra virgin olive oil.
FAQs for Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Salad
This cherry tomato caprese salad makes a great side dish for pasta like mussel and tomato pasta or Italian pistachio pesto pasta. Or serve it as an appetizer with some homemade Italian focaccia bread.
Leftover caprese salad will last about 3 - 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The basil will wilt the longer it sits, so I don't recommend making this dish in advance.
Sure! While Italians normally keep their food super simple to highlight the flavors of the produce, you can dress up this caprese salad with some oregano, a dash of balsamic vinegar, or top it with balsamic glaze.
More Salad Recipes
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below. Have questions as you're cooking? Leave a comment below, and I'll help!
Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes sliced in half (about 3 cups)
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- ½ cup fresh basil chiffonade
- Morton kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve directly in the mixing bowl or place in a serving bowl or platter.
Taylor
I didn't think I was a huge fan of tomato salads, but turns out, when you have really good tomatoes from the garden, this is so delicious!
Jessica Mode
Taylor - So glad you enjoyed the recipe! You can't beat garden tomatoes!
Pat
I make this on repeat during the summer!