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This single serving Caprese Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor—perfect as a light meal or side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Fresh: Made with just a few quality ingredients.
- Full of Flavor: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil in every bite.
- Quick to Make: Assembles in minutes for a light lunch or easy side.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from fresh produce and cheese.
- Easy to Customize: Add peaches, avocado, or even chicken for your own spin.
What I love most about this Caprese Salad is how it instantly transports me to summer—even in the middle of winter. It’s bright, beautiful, and feels special every time I make it.
Whether I’m enjoying it on my porch or at the kitchen table, it always makes me pause and appreciate how something so simple can taste so good. You’ve got to try it.
If you’re in the mood for more single serving salads, try my Spinach Orzo Salad, Sicilian Orange Salad, Caesar Salad, or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this simple Caprese Salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tomatoes: Use one ripe, flavorful tomato—Roma is a great size for one serving. Heirloom, vine-ripened, or cherry tomatoes also work well, especially in summer when they’re at their best.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Choose fresh mozzarella for the best taste and texture. Use one small ball, sliced or torn. Bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls) are also a great option.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves add essential flavor. Layer them between the tomato and mozzarella or scatter over the top.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for the richest flavor. Light olive oil can be used if you prefer something milder.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Optional, but a pinch of each enhances the salad’s flavor.
Recipe Tip: Caprese Salad With Balsamic Glaze
A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet, tangy boost—though not traditional, it’s a popular addition. To make it, simmer ½ cup of balsamic vinegar until reduced by half and thick enough to coat a spoon (about 7–10 minutes). Let it cool—it will thicken more as it sits.
You’ll have extra, so store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. It’s great on salads, baked chicken, steak, pizza, or even vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Variations
Try one of these simple variations to change up the flavors:
- Peach Caprese: Add sliced peach for a touch of sweetness.
- Avocado Caprese: Layer in avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Mint Caprese: Use fresh mint along with basil for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Pesto Caprese: Top with a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
How To Make Caprese Salad
See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
Arrange slices of tomato and mozzarella on a plate, layering a basil leaf between each. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Expert Tips
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make all the difference.
- Serve Immediately: Caprese salad tastes best when enjoyed within 1–2 hours of making it.
- Try Burrata: For a creamier version, use Burrata instead of mozzarella. Place it in the center of the plate and surround it with tomato slices.
- Add Protein: Turn it into a meal by topping with cooked chicken for a simple Chicken Caprese Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This small Caprese Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes if you’d like to round out your meal:
Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese Salad is best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day. The tomatoes may release liquid.
It’s best enjoyed fresh. The moisture from the mozzarella can make the tomatoes soggy.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this small Caprese salad or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe tomato -sliced
- 3-4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (each sliced about ¼-inch thick)
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, layering a basil leaf between each.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make all the difference.
- Serve Immediately: Caprese salad tastes best when enjoyed within 1–2 hours of making it.
- Try Burrata: For a creamier version, use Burrata instead of mozzarella. Place it in the center of the plate and surround it with tomato slices.
- Add Protein: Turn it into a meal by topping with cooked chicken for a simple Chicken Caprese Salad.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
