Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad

This Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad is simple yet flavorful, emphasizing the quality and freshness of the ingredients. It's often served as an appetizer but can also be enjoyed as a light main course or side dish, especially in the summer when heirloom tomatoes are at their peak.

Our family has been making this simple Italian Caprese salad for as long as we can remember. This beloved family favorite makes its way to every holiday table, no matter the season.

Since it's almost summer here in New Jersey, we wanted to highlight the heirloom tomato nature's answer to the boring, lifeless supermarket tomato. It adds a wonderful flavor (more sweet and intense), and most importantly, it lends a gorgeous hue of color.

Like this summer peach Caprese this heirloom tomato salad comes together in no time. We like to serve the salad on a platter, rather than in a bowl since we often use it as an appetizer. Either way, it's a good and light companion to your favorite meals.

Why heirloom tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are a cultivated tomato that has been passed down through several generations due to their unique characteristics. They are known for their rich, complex flavors, varied colors, and unique shapes.

Often referred to as "ugly tomatoes", they are anything but. They come in funky shapes and sizes, fun ridges, and an good color palette. No two heirlooms are alike, and they are the solid choice for a flavorful summer Caprese.

This summer Caprese salad is all about fresh ingredients, so use fresh herbs and good quality ingredients.

• Heirloom tomatoes Buy from local farmers' markets or reputable sources whenever possible. Heirloom tomatoes are often grown organically and locally, ensuring better flavor and freshness. Supermarkets also sell them as do bigger retailers like Trader Joe's. Look for vibrant deep colors with firm skin and no blemishes. If you can't find heirlooms, then use any ripe tomato you can find.
• Mozzarella Since this Caprese has few ingredients, fresh mozzarella is best. Choose unsalted so that you can flavor it yourself. Here is a great article highlighting the best fresh mozzarella.
• Basil Fresh basil ties the dish together with a light, peppery taste.
• Olive oil You can use extra virgin olive oil as well.
• Balsamic Optional, but we always include it. Choose a good quality balsamic or balsamic glaze.
• Salt and pepper we love finishing this Caprese with a flaky sea salt like Morton's but a coarse Kosher salt is solid. Use freshly ground pepper for the best taste.

You will need nothing more than a platter for serving and a few kitchen utensils for cutting the tomatoes and cheese.

Step by step instructions

This simple salad comes together in no time. Use the visual guide below to help you achieve your prettiest salad of the summer!

Slice the tomatoes about ¼ inch thick.

Slice the mozzarella the same size, and layer then slices with the tomatoes.

Garnish with fresh basil, or layer a basil leaf in between the tomato and cheese.

Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic (if using), salt and pepper.

Expert tip

Use a variety of colors to highlight the beauty of the heirloom tomatoes. Try alternating the tomatoes in layers for a stunning, vibrant presentation.

Substitutions and variations

This Italian Caprese salad can be customized to your liking. Here are a few suggestions to try:

1. Burrata Swap the mozzarella for burrata. Burrata is softer and harder to layer, but it's deliciously creamy. You can even opt for a smoked mozzarella if you can find it.
2. Use any type of tomato Can't find heirlooms? Use good quality tomatoes like beefsteak or Roma. Try swapping in these roasted tomatoes for a unique spin!
3. Spices Add a little heat by finishing it with some crushed red pepper instead of the black pepper.
4. Fresh or dried herbs Play around with different aromatics such as fresh thyme or tarragon. For died herbs, oregano still retains a lot of its flavor.
5. Other flavors Try experimenting with flavored salts such as smoky sea salt.
6. Pesto Make it a pesto caprese! Try our roasted garlic pesto or this vibrant red pepper pesto.

How to serve Italian Caprese salad

There is no wrong way to serve this good summertime salad. Our favorite way is to serve it family style, on a large platter. This way everyone grabs the amount they want.

If serving family style, choose a large oval or round serving dish, big enough to layer the cheese and tomatoes in pretty patterns. Alternately, you can make mini towers of caprese, by stacking each layer on top of each other.

As a side salad, it pairs wonderfully with sandwiches, like this summery strawberry BLT or serve it alongside some scrambled eggs for a complete meal.

Keeping leftovers

You can prepare the heirloom Caprese ahead of time by layering the tomatoes and mozzarella on the platter you will use to serve it. Please store it in the fridge until ready to eat. Right before serving you can drizzle the olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic over the top.

This heirloom Caprese is best eaten the day it is made, but you can store it, tightly wrapped in fridge for up to 2 days. The tomatoes will get soft, but they will still be tasty.

Kitchen questions

What is a Caprese salad?

A Caprese salad, or Insalata Caprese is a traditional Italian dish that typically consists of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Do heirloom tomatoes taste different?

Heirloom tomatoes are sweeter than other tomato varieties. Their taste will also differ depending on the color, with yellow being the milder of all of them.

Where can we find heirloom tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are seasonal and are available from late July to early Fall. You can find them at farmer's markets and supermarkets. They have a shorter shelf-life, and often look "ugly" with deep, craggy edges, and vary in color from purple to brown to red.

Solid pairings

Solid with eggs, sandwiches, or casseroles.

Ingredients

Makes 4 (6 as an appetizer or side)

• 2-3 heirloom tomatoes (depending on size) (choose a variety of colors to make it pop)
• 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (whole, not shredded)
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves
• olive oil, to taste (extra virgin or regular)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• good quality balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste (optional)

Equipment

• large oval or round serving platter

Method

1. Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Cut both the tomatoes and mozzarella into similar-sized slices, about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Arrange the Ingredients: On a plate, alternate the slices of tomato and mozzarella. Arrange fresh basil leaves between the slices or scatter them on top. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad. Lastly, top with with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (if using). Serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

Heirloom Tomatoes Look for vibrant deep colors, firm skin, and no blemishes. If you can't find heirlooms, then use any ripe tomato you can find.

Storage and make ahead You can layer the ingredients ahead of time. When ready to serve, drizzle it with olive oil, balsamic if using, and salt and pepper. The salad will stay in the fridge for about 2 days- note that the tomatoes will get soft the longer they sit.