Tart, juicy tomato and creamy fresh mozzarella pair with herbs and a vinegar drizzle for a delicious dairy classic Caprese salad platter.
Caprese salad is a simple, elegant dish that highlights fresh ingredients: ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, a sprinkle of herbs and a bright splash of vinegar and olive oil. This version stays true to the classic while offering easy swaps if you prefer—like using dried basil for convenience or substituting a different vinegar if balsamic isn’t to your taste. You can also add thinly sliced cucumber or radish for extra crunch and color without losing the familiar Caprese flavor.
Unlike mixed green salads, a Caprese platter is typically arranged with larger slices of tomato and mozzarella layered or fanned on a serving dish so guests can take a portion and finish it on their plates. It’s a lovely side for fish, a light dairy meal, or an attractive offering for shalosh seudos. Serve with crusty bread or crackers to make it more substantial.
If you’d like a heartier option with the same bright, Mediterranean flavors, consider a Caprese-style pasta salad that adds pasta to the combination of tomato, mozzarella and basil for a more filling dish that still captures those classic tastes.
Classic Caprese Salad Platter
Ingredients
- 1 package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp coarse sea salt
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
Instructions
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Arrange the sliced mozzarella and tomato on a platter, overlapping the pieces in a circle or a row for an attractive presentation.
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Sprinkle with dried basil and coarse sea salt, then drizzle evenly with olive oil and vinegar. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe by Faigy Murray