This warm weather has us dreaming of summering in Italy. Can you feel the sun beaming happily above and a light sea breeze playing with your hair? Well, we might not be able to send you to Capri, but we can help you feel transported to this Italian island through food! 

Caprese salad is a simple yet delicious recipe that is perfect for warm summer days. All you need to prepare this salad is tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. You really can’t go wrong if you have these ingredients, however, if you’re one of the many people who love a recipe, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a few variations on this classic dish, including a tasty seasonal alternative if tomatoes aren’t your jam. 

A good olive oil will enhance your Caprese salad. Any of the olive oils we carry will taste delicious. We love our “local” olive oil from The Olive Table or keep it in Italy with Frantoia! If you want to learn more about our selection of oils, check out this post.  

Classic Caprese Salad 

Serves: 4-6 

What You’ll Need 

• 3-4 local beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes 

• 8 oz ball of Maplebrook Farm fresh mozzarella  

• Fresh Vermont basil leaves 

• High-quality extra virgin olive oil  

• Maldon flaky salt  

• Fresh ground pepper 

Instructions 

1. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into uniform rounds.
   
2. Arrange ingredients on a large platter, alternating between tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Season with flaky salt and pepper. 

Variations 

Although not used in a traditional Caprese salad, balsamic vinegar or a balsamic reduction is a popular addition to this dish. We love Ritrovo Aged Balsamic Vinegar. Or for something more unique, try Neolea White Balsamic or Leonardi Perle di Balsamico (balsamic pearls)!  

It’s also peach season! Consider grillin’ some delicious Pennsylvania peaches and adding ‘em to your salad. 

Caprese Skewers

Serves: 4-6 

What You’ll Need 

• 1 pint local cherry tomatoes 

• 1 pint Maplebrook Farm ciliegine mozzarella 

• Fresh Vermont basil leaves 

• High-quality extra virgin olive oil 

• Salt & pepper 

• Balsamic vinegar, optional 

• Mini skewers or cocktail picks 

Instructions 

1. Carefully slide ingredients onto skewers. We recommend this order: tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella, basil leaf, tomato. *If basil leaves are large, fold in half before skewering.  
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 
3. Season with salt and pepper. 
4. Serve and enjoy! 

Strawberry Caprese Skewers 

Serves: 4-6 

What You’ll Need 

• 1 pint local strawberries 

• 1 pint Maplebrook Farm ciliegine mozzarella 

• Fresh local basil leaves 

• High-quality extra virgin olive oil 

• Local honey 

• Balsamic vinegar 

• Mini skewers or cocktail picks 

Instructions 

1. Remove stems from strawberries. 
2. Add strawberries, basil, and mozzarella to skewers. 
3. Drizzle with honey, olive oil, and honey. 

Looking for basil in our stores? Basil develops brown spots if it is refrigerated, so we keep it next to our tomatoes and avocados!