Caprese Salad Bowl (Printable)

Italian-inspired salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, fresh basil, tangy balsamic, and crispy bread chunks.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables & Herbs

01 - 14 oz ripe tomatoes (heirloom or cherry), sliced or halved
02 - 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves

→ Dairy

03 - 8.8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or sliced)

→ Bread

04 - 4 slices rustic bread (ciabatta or sourdough)

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Toast the bread slices until golden and crispy. Cut into bite-sized cubes or tear into rustic chunks.
02 - Arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella in a large bowl or on a platter, alternating slices for visual appeal.
03 - Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella pieces.
04 - Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the salad.
05 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
06 - Scatter the crispy bread pieces on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
07 - Serve immediately and enjoy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 10 minutes, which means you can make it even when dinner plans change at the last second.
  • The contrast between warm crispy bread and cool creamy mozzarella creates a texture experience that makes every bite feel special.
  • Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes do most of the heavy lifting, so the quality of your ingredients shines through without any fancy technique required.
02 -
  • Assemble this salad close to when you'll eat it, because tomatoes start releasing their liquid and the bread will gradually soften—that's not a failure, it's just the natural progression of a fresh dish.
  • If you rub that warm toasted bread with a cut garlic clove before cubing it, the flavor elevates in a way that feels almost magical without being heavy.
03 -
  • Buy your tomatoes a day or two before you plan to use them and store them at room temperature—cold tomatoes lose their flavor and texture complexity.
  • The moment you slice into a fresh tomato and see that juice, you know you're working with something worth celebrating, so don't overthink the rest.
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