Insalata Caprese (salad in the style of Capri) is a simple salad from the Italian region of Campania, made of sliced fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, seasoned with salt, and olive oil.[1][2] In Italy, unlike most salads, it is usually served as an antipasto (starter), not a contorno (side dish).
While it's unknown whether the salad actually originated on Capri, it became popular after being served there to the jet-setting King Farouk of Egypt during the 1950s. [3]
Some variations include adding chopped garlic, parsley, and various sauces. (Balsamic vinegar, Italian dressing, etc.) King Farouk reportedly enjoyed it as a sandwich filling.[3]