Simple Caprese Salad for a Crowd

If you ask me, caprese salads are one of summer’s best gifts.

This classic Italian combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil makes the perfect side dish for any gathering. The juicy tomatoes and creamy cheese create a simple but satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

It’s layered with care on a big platter, drizzled with good olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt bring all the ingredients together.

It’s an easy-going dish that feels special enough for company but simple enough for everyday meals, especially when tomatoes are at their peak.

What Kind of Mozzarella Should I Use?

For a caprese salad, those little fresh mozzarella balls (often labeled as ciliegine or bocconcini in stores) are perfect since they require no cutting and look great on the plate. If you can’t find the small balls, you can definitely use a regular ball of fresh mozzarella and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Just make sure you’re buying fresh mozzarella that’s packed in water or whey – not the firm, aged kind you’d use for pizza. The fresh variety has a softer texture and milder flavor that really lets the other ingredients shine through. If your mozzarella is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to bring out its full flavor.

Options for Substitutions

This fresh salad is pretty flexible and you can make several easy swaps depending on what you have in your kitchen:

• Baby spinach: You can easily swap the spinach with arugula, mixed salad greens, or even chopped romaine lettuce. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, with arugula adding a peppery kick.
• Mozzarella balls: If you can’t find small mozzarella balls, buy a large ball and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You could also use torn burrata for extra creaminess, or even cubed regular mozzarella.
• Grape tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes work just as well, or you can dice regular tomatoes. Just make sure they’re ripe and firm. In winter, when tomatoes aren’t at their best, you might want to try sun-dried tomatoes.
• Balsamic glaze: Regular balsamic vinegar mixed with a touch of honey makes a good substitute for balsamic glaze. Italian dressing works too, or try a simple mix of olive oil and lemon juice.
• Fresh basil: While fresh basil is traditional in caprese salad, dried basil will work in a pinch. You could also try fresh oregano for a different Mediterranean flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when preparing a Caprese salad is serving it straight from the refrigerator – cold temperatures dull the flavors of tomatoes and mozzarella, so let these ingredients come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before assembling.

Another common error is overdressing the salad, which can make the spinach leaves wilt and overpower the delicate flavors – start with a light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze, then add more if needed after tasting.

To keep your salad from becoming watery, make sure to pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels before adding them, and if using fresh basil, tear the leaves by hand instead of cutting them with a knife to prevent browning.

For the best presentation and taste, avoid making this salad too far in advance – aim to assemble it no more than 30 minutes before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

What to Serve With Caprese Salad?

A fresh caprese salad pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats – I especially love serving it alongside Italian-seasoned chicken breasts or a juicy grilled steak. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, try serving it with your favorite pasta dishes like fettuccine alfredo or classic spaghetti and meatballs. If you’re hosting a casual lunch, some warm crusty bread or focaccia on the side makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover olive oil and balsamic from the salad. You could also turn this into a light summer dinner by adding some grilled shrimp on top of the salad itself.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed right after it’s made, but if you need to prep ahead, keep all ingredients separate. Store the washed spinach in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, and keep the tomatoes and mozzarella in separate containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Prep Ahead: Want to get a head start? Wash and dry your spinach, slice the tomatoes, and portion out the mozzarella balls up to a day before. Keep the dressing or balsamic glaze separate until you’re ready to serve – this prevents the spinach from getting soggy and keeps everything fresh and crisp.

Leftovers: If you end up with dressed leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for about 24 hours, though the spinach might get a bit wilted. For the best experience, I recommend only dressing the portion you plan to eat right away.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Fat: 40-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g

Ingredients

• 3 cups small fresh mozzarella balls (also called ‘bocconcini’)
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• olive oil (I prefer California Olive Ranch extra virgin)
• balsamic glaze or Italian dressing
• 1 large package baby spinach
• fresh or dried basil leaves
• salt
• pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)

Step 1: Prepare the Base of the Salad

Begin by layering fresh baby spinach leaves evenly across the bottom of a large platter.

This will serve as the flavorful base for your salad.

Step 2: Add Initial Seasoning

Drizzle the layered spinach with olive oil to enhance its flavor and texture.

Lightly season with salt and pepper for an extra burst of taste.

Step 3: Prepare and Add Toppings

Drain the mozzarella pearls to remove any excess liquid.

Slice the grape tomatoes lengthwise to ensure they complement the mozzarella pearls.

Arrange the sliced tomatoes and the mozzarella in long, decorative layers across the top of the spinach.

Step 4: Finalize with Seasoning and Dressing

Drizzle an additional layer of olive oil over the arranged salad, ensuring an even coating.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh basil to taste.

This will add a delightful aroma and boost the overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad with a balsamic glaze drizzled on top for a sweet and tangy finish, or opt for an Italian-style dressing of your choice.

This salad is now ready to be enjoyed as a refreshing and satisfying dish!