Caprese Salad
Even the smallest steps can remind us that we're capable of moving forward.
Beyond the Ingredients
Why This Recipe Matters
Some recipes seem almost too simple to be considered cooking. Caprese salad is one of them. A few fresh ingredients, a handful of easy steps, and very little preparation. It might leave you wondering whether something so simple can really be enough.
But sometimes, simple is exactly what we need.
We often associate accomplishment with effort, complexity, and overcoming difficult challenges. The more demanding something is, the more meaningful we assume the result will be. It's easy to overlook the value of small accomplishments because they don't seem significant enough on their own.
Life can feel much the same way. When we're facing overwhelming circumstances, we sometimes convince ourselves that moving forward requires a major change, a difficult decision, or a solution to everything that's troubling us. The size of the challenge can make even beginning feel impossible.
But progress doesn't always require a complicated plan or an extraordinary effort. It begins with recognizing what we can manage right now. One small decision, one achievable step, one thing within our control. We don't have to accomplish everything for what we've accomplished to matter.
The Takeaway
A small step isn't less meaningful simply because it was easy to take. Often, the simplest things we choose to do are enough to remind us that we're still capable of moving forward.
What You Need
Ingredients
Serves 2–3 servings
How to Make It
Directions
- 1
Slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch rounds and pat lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- 2
Slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds of similar thickness.
- 3
On a large plate or platter, alternate the tomato and mozzarella slices in an overlapping pattern.
- 4
Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices as you go.
- 5
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil generously over the entire salad.
- 6
If using, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top in a thin, even stream.
- 7
Finish with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper.
- 8
Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor.
From the Kitchen
Small Things That Matter
Room-temperature tomatoes and mozzarella taste far better than cold ones — pull them from the fridge 20 minutes early
Use the best olive oil you have — with so few ingredients, each one shines
Pat the tomatoes dry so the plate doesn't pool with watery juice
Flaky salt on top at the very end makes all the difference — it adds texture and brings out every flavor
Variations & Additions
Make It Yours
- Add thin slices of avocado between the layers for a creamy, buttery addition
- Try using burrata instead of fresh mozzarella for an ultra-luxurious, creamy center
- Toss in a few Kalamata olives or capers for a briny, Mediterranean twist
- Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts for a delightful crunch
Watch It
Watch It Being Made
Video courtesy of Feelgoodfoodie
This video may not follow our recipe exactly. Ingredients, amounts, or steps can differ a little. Use it as a guide to see the techniques in action, and follow the recipe on this page for the details. All videos
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