Insalata Caprese

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Insalata Caprese (salad in the style of Capri) is a simple salad from the Italian region of Campania, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, plum tomatoes and basil. It is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and olive oil. The main ingredients are similar to Pizza Margherita, but are not cooked.

Ideally, the mozzarella is di bufala campana, the olive oil is extra virgin from the peninsula of Sorrento and the tomatoes and basil are grown in the full sun of the mezzogiorno.^{[citation needed]}

The dish reproduces the colours of the flag of Italy.

According to the 2006 edition of The Joy of Cooking (75th Anniversary Edition) page no. 169, Insalata Caprese (or Tomato and Mozzarella Salad) is prepared by arranging alternating ½ in. thick slices of tomatoes and ¼ in. slices of mozzarella on a platter, sprinkling with fresh basil leaves, drizzling with olive oil, and then seasoning with salt.

[edit] Unorthodox variations

Ocasionally restaurants will add further ingredients but the salad that results cannot really be described as Insalata Caprese.

• Oregano or arugula (rucola) can replace the basil.
• Onion slices can be added.
• Balsamic vinegar can be added to complement the olive oil.
• Pesto can be added.
• Artichoke hearts or capers can be added to complement the mild creamy taste of the fresh (whole milk) mozzarella.