Caprese salad

What is Caprese salad?

Caprese salad is a simple Italian dish made by layering slices of fresh mozzarella and ripe tomato, then adding basil leaves. The salad is dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, sometimes with pepper or oregano. Its appearance is striking, with the green of basil, white of cheese, and red of tomato echoing the Italian flag. The taste is mild and fresh, relying on the quality of its ingredients. In Italy, vinegar is usually avoided to preserve the delicate flavour of mozzarella.

Where does Caprese salad come from?

The salad takes its name from Capri, an island in the Bay of Naples, Campania, where it is thought to have started. Accounts of its origin vary: some say it was created as a tribute to the Italian flag, others link it to local chefs serving royalty and tourists in the 20th century. The dish became widely known in the 1950s, sometimes said to be after King Farouk of Egypt tried it while visiting Capri. By the 1990s, it was considered a century-old local tradition.

How is Caprese salad made?

To prepare Caprese salad, fresh mozzarella and large, round tomatoes are sliced and arranged in alternating layers. Basil leaves are added, and the salad is seasoned with salt and drizzled with olive oil. In some homes, pepper, oregano, olives, chili peppers, or garlic may be included. The basil is traditionally torn by hand rather than cut. In Capri and Sorrento, mozzarella made from cow's milk is common, while buffalo mozzarella is used elsewhere in Campania.

How and when is Caprese salad eaten?

In Italy, Caprese salad is usually served as an appetiser, called antipasto, but it can be eaten at any time of day. Internationally, it often appears as a side dish. The salad is sometimes added to sandwiches or used as a filling for empanadas in Argentina. It is best enjoyed fresh, with high-quality ingredients. In restaurants outside Italy, the quality can vary, and the dish may include vinegar or dried herbs, which are not traditional.

Kinds of Caprese salad

Caprese salad has inspired other dishes, such as Caprese pizza, sandwiches, and sauces for pasta like gnocchi or ravioli, where the ingredients are only lightly cooked. In Argentina, the same combination is used as a filling for empanadas. Oregano and arugula are sometimes added, especially in Capri. International versions may include balsamic vinegar, though this is not typical in Italy.

What Caprese salad means

Caprese salad is closely tied to Italian identity, with its colours mirroring the national flag. It is a symbol of summer and freshness, especially on Capri. The dish gained fame in the 20th century as Capri became a destination for celebrities and royalty. Its simplicity and reliance on local produce reflect the values of Italian cooking. The salad is sometimes mistaken for insalata tricolore, which uses different green ingredients.

Questions people ask about Caprese salad

Good reading and sources

• Caprese salad on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data