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Home » Recipes » Salads » Classic Caprese Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella

Classic Caprese Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella

Published May 12, 2020. Last updated April 1, 2021 by Judy Purcell 28 Comments

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Traditionally served as a starter, or appetizer, Caprese Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella is also a refreshing summertime lunch.

With only a handful of ingredients, it is vital that each one is carefully selected, preferably at seasonal peak.

Sliced tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella on top with a basil leaf on a white plate.
Classic Caprese Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella

While visiting Italy, we marveled at the flavors created by simple, quality ingredients. Caprese Salad was on our list of classic Italian food to savor and it was a memorable part of our trip.

Buffalo mozzarella sliced open on a cutting board
Buffalo mozzarella

Authentic Caprese Salad is made with buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) from the milk of domesticated water buffalo. 

Although there are a few water buffalo herds in the U.S. producing dairy and meat, it is easier to find imported buffalo mozzarella in stores like Whole Foods, Costco (seasonally), or specialty shops.

Campari tomatoes growing in a greenhouse.

Choosing the Best Tomatoes for Caprese Salad

If you’ve ever tasted a vine-ripened tomato from a home garden you know the very best tasting tomatoes are ripened on the vine.

Because tomatoes will ripen in color after being picked, most of what you see in grocery stores have been picked green and ripened after shipping to prevent damage. 

This is not the only reason the tomato lacks flavor. According to this Scientific American article, the reason why one tomato tastes better than another is the geranial compounds or fragrance of the fruit. 

On-the-vine Campari and heirloom tomatoes tend to have more of these fragrance compounds which is why you may have noticed they have a better flavor than the standard variety.

You’ll pay a higher price for these select tomatoes, but it pays off in flavor when it is such a central part of a dish like Caprese.

Modena balsamic vinegar barrels for storing and aging.

Balsamic: What’s the Difference?

  • Commercial-grade balsamic is the most common with a more acidic flavor which is best for salads, marinades, or balsamic reductions
  • Condiment-grade balsamic or condimento balsamico is thicker, with a nicely balanced sweet-acid flavor best for finishing appetizers or salads like Caprese (these are close in flavor to traditional, but easier on the budget)
  • Traditional balsamic is the highest grade available from the Modena region in Italy with a rich, complex flavor and best for finishing dishes, serving with cheese or desserts.

Quality aged balsamic delivers a balanced sweet-acidic finish to the richness of the cheese you don’t want to miss.

Condimento is the type of balsamic we use for finishing touches on appetizers or salads like this. It’s the thick, sweeter version of balsamic with a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Venice Olive Oil Co is our go-to for exceptional olive oils and balsamic. They are a local store here in Colorado, but they ship all over the country. 

TIP: If you don’t have time to pick up a bottle of aged balsamic, check our Recipe Variations for instructions to make your own balsamic glaze with commercial-grade (salad-type) balsamic.

Recipe Variations 

  • Substitute fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese for the buffalo mozzarella
  • Create an easy Caprese Appetizer with prosciutto
  • Make your own Balsamic Glaze: Gently simmer 1/2 cup (commercial-grade) balsamic vinegar with 3 tablespoons coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar) in a saucepan on med-low for 10-15 minutes, or until reduced by half and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust for sweet or sour by adding more balsamic or sugar. Cool and refrigerate until ready to use.

Of course, fresh cow’s milk mozzarella is a fine substitute for this salad, just be sure it is a quality cheese for best results.

What is Caprese with fresh burrata cheese?

Burrata Caprese Salad is a tasty change-up for Caprese with a delightfully creamy center to sink your fork into. Burrata’s soft center is most enjoyable when it has time to come to room temperature before serving.

Create an Easy Caprese Appetizer

We love this Prosciutto-Wrapped Caprese Salad Appetizer for easy and elegant party food. Just four ingredients and a few minutes of prep and you’re all set to impress.

Caprese Salad - tomato, basil, and mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Caprese Salad Appetizer

When you taste this amazing salad, you’ll want to thank a water buffalo if you can find one 😉 … I still have The Water Buffalo Song in Silly Songs with Larry by Veggie Tales stuck in my head from when my kids were little.

YouTube video
Sliced tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella on a plate topped with basil.
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Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad with Buffalo mozzarella, garden fresh tomatoes and basil.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Author: Judy Purcell
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Ingredients

  • 4 Campari or heirloom tomatoes sliced 1/4″ thick
  • 16 basil leaves sliced thinly
  • 1 pound  buffalo mozzarella (mozzarella di bufala) — sliced 1/4″ thick
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Aged Balsamic
  • Fresh ground pepper
  • Sea salt
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Allow cheese to sit on a paper towel-lined plate at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb extra liquid until ready to slice and serve. This salad should be served cool, but not cold.
  • On a large platter or plate, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices so there is an even number of slices of each. Arrange basil as a garnish on top so that there is 1-2 basil leaves for each serving of tomato and cheese, or sprinkle basil over the cheese and tomato.
  • Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and aged balsamic over the tomato, cheese, and basil; season with salt and fresh ground pepper.

Notes

Recipe Variations: 

  • Substitute fresh mozzarella or burrata cheese for the buffalo mozzarella
  • Create an easy Caprese Appetizer with prosciutto
  • Make your own Balsamic Glaze:  Gently simmer 1/2 cup (commercial-grade) balsamic vinegar with 3 tablespoons coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar) in a saucepan on med-low for 10-15 minutes, or until reduced by half and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust for sweet or sour by adding more balsamic or sugar. Cool and refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 221mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 3945IU | Vitamin C: 8.7mg | Calcium: 2538mg | Iron: 0.7mg
Learn how to make this and all recipes even easier!Check out our Monthly Meal Prep System!

More Salad Recipes You’ll Love

  • Galia Melon Salad with Goat Cheese, Prosciutto, and Pine Nuts
  • Citrus Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts and Orange-Dijon Dressing
  • Watermelon-Blueberry Salad: Easy July 4th Party Food
  • Grilled Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
  • Strawberry Spinach Salad

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Filed Under: Appetizers & Snacks, Cheese, Italian, Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes Tagged With: bufala mozzarella, summer salad

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    Rating




  1. mjskitchen says

    June 29, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    5 stars
    Still waiting for my tomatoes to ripen so I can make this salad!!! Once our tomatoes turn, we eat this salad almost every night. 🙂 Beautiful plate of caprese Judy!

    Reply
  2. Sonia Mangla says

    May 30, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    Gorgeous Caprese salad! I loved the picture of tomatoes on the wine! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Judy Purcell says

      June 1, 2020 at 7:11 am

      Thanks Sonia, we appreciate your kind compliment. 🙂

      Reply
  3. mjskitchen says

    May 18, 2020 at 9:34 am

    5 stars
    Can’t wait until our tomatoes are ready for picking so I can make this. It’s a staple during fresh tomato/basil season.

    Reply
  4. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    May 12, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    Such a classic salad! There’s a reason for that, of course — it tastes so darn good. Yours looks terrific — thanks.

    Reply
  5. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    May 12, 2020 at 2:46 pm

    This is one of my favorite salad once we can we vine ripe tomatoes.

    Reply
  6. Vanessa says

    June 16, 2019 at 7:52 pm

    5 stars
    You cannot go wrong with this amazing appetizer! I want it right now.

    Reply
  7. Hope says

    June 16, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    Love this gorgeous salad! It would go perfectly with some grilled chicken or to take along to a BBQ or potluck!

    Reply
  8. Anne Lawton says

    June 16, 2019 at 11:27 am

    This is one of my favorite salads. I did not know that buffalo mozzarella was from buffalo milk, duh!

    Reply
  9. Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica says

    June 15, 2019 at 7:16 pm

    5 stars
    Definitely one of my favourite salads all summer long as soon as tomatoes come into season!
    I love your presentation! Sometimes I make it with bocconcini and serve individual small plates as an app..
    The combination is a classic and anyone who loves this like we do.. knows just why it is so famous!
    Best quality olive oil + balsamic vinegar that you can find does make a huge difference.

    Reply
    • Judy Purcell says

      June 17, 2019 at 6:53 am

      Love the idea of serving it with brocconcini!

      Reply
  10. STACEY CRAWFORD says

    June 15, 2019 at 9:54 am

    This is perfect! I love Caprese salad and best of all, no cooking required!

    Reply
  11. Megan Stevens says

    June 15, 2019 at 7:19 am

    5 stars
    I think this is the salad that put simple beauty on the map. Perfect for summer!

    Reply
  12. Zuzana says

    June 14, 2019 at 3:10 am

    5 stars
    I so love burata

    Reply
  13. Kelly says

    June 13, 2019 at 6:41 pm

    5 stars
    Love a classic caprese. So great, especially when you’re using quality ingredients.

    Reply
  14. Jean says

    June 10, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    5 stars
    SO perfect for summer get-togehters. I can just taste the freshness through your photos!

    Reply
  15. Tessa Simpson says

    June 10, 2019 at 10:09 am

    5 stars
    water buffalo mozzarella is SO dreamy! My mouth is watering already from the anticipation of this magical combo…hurry up garden tomatoes!

    Reply
  16. Maria says

    November 29, 2018 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    Oh I love how simple and delicious this salad is!

    Reply
  17. Mrs. Jen B says

    September 9, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    Caprese = my favorite flavor combination next to peanut butter and chocolate. 😉

    The one thing I’ll miss about summer is my tomato and basil crop, small thought it was. Because I was eating caprese salads and sandwiches a few times a week! Thanks for sharing this and for making me salivate, quite frankly. 🙂

    Reply
    • Judy says

      September 10, 2011 at 9:18 am

      Caprese is a fine excuse to plant a garden just for tomatoes and basil! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, I appreciate that — it was good to find your blog too! Enjoy what there is left of summer!

      Reply
  18. Nicole Feliciano says

    September 9, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    yes, someone who loves the caprese as much as I do…if I only had space for a water buffalo inmy apt. Thanks so much for sharing this tasty recipe on Momtrends’ Friday Food. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Judy says

      September 10, 2011 at 9:13 am

      I’m sure the water buffalo would let you have a small corner of a room…might just be worth it. 😉

      Reply
  19. rsmacaalay says

    May 1, 2011 at 2:50 am

    Thats an excellent starter! I love buffalo mozzarella its richer and more flavourful.

    Reply
  20. Erika your eldest daughter says

    April 29, 2011 at 10:52 am

    I bet his would be really good in a bacon bowl, I think I would leave out the tomato and go with sundried, maybe?

    Reply
    • Judy says

      April 29, 2011 at 1:26 pm

      I’m not a big raw tomato fan either, Erika, but it wouldn’t be Caprese without it; it is the perfect combo. Just about anything would be good in a bacon bowl 😉

      Reply
  21. Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide says

    April 28, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    Great post. That has to be the prettiest Caprese salad I’ve seen.

    Reply
  22. The Café Sucré Farine says

    April 28, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Gorgeous! What amazing pictures and I know the salad will be fabulous, how could you lose with these awesome ingredients! I am featuring a tartine with the same ingredients on my blog tomorrow! I just had it for lunch – Yummy!

    Reply
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