Despite its name, Caprese salad isn't derived from the culinary traditions of the island of Capri. It does, however, comprise four of Campania's best-known ingredients: tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. When it comes to this relatively newer addition to the Italian cuisine canon, different origin tales abound – many take the patriotic route by linking the ingredients to the colors of the Italian flag.
Yet the one that ties the Caprese salad to the island of Capri states that the chef of Hotel Quisisana created it in the 1930s for Futurist dinner. Futurism, an avant-garde social and artistic movement, began in 1909 when Filippo Tommaso Marinetti published his Manifesto of Futurism in a local newspaper. The movement called for no part of the past and looked to the future as the way of the world, picking up speed to grow into a national movement.
Though it's mostly associated with art, Futurism seeped into all walks of life, including food. In 1932 Marinetti published a cookbook titled The Futurist Cookbook, which criticized much of Italy's food traditions, particularly taking a swipe at pasta (the nerve of him!). so it's said the hotel created Caprese salad, a pasta-less dish in honor of these contrarians.
Whatever the reason, there's no doubt that Caprese salad is one of Italy's most loved, internationally recognized dishes. The ever-so simple recipe follows.
Caprese Salad Recipe
Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients for 4
5 ripe and firm tomatoes
2 balls of buffalo mozzarella
basil
extra-virgin olive oil
salt
Method
Cut the tomatoes into 1 cm slices. Sprinkle some salt over the slices and let sit for a few minutes to drain the excess water.
Cut the mozzarellas into 1 cm slices.
Make the Caprese salad by alternating the tomato and mozzarella slices directly on the plates. Finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a few basil leaves. Serve cold.
Optional add-ons: If you wish, finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and/or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction or freshly grated lemon zest.
FAQs
Fresh, thick-sliced tomatoes, equally thick slices of mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. That's it! There's nothing complicated about it. A drizzle of olive oil, some of that balsamic reduction, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and you're set.
What is the origin of the Caprese salad? ›
The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".
What does caprese mean in Italian? ›
As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “Salad of Capri.” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.
Is Caprese salad good for weight loss? ›
With its healthy fats from olive oil and satisfying protein content from mozzarella, Caprese salad helps in maintaining satiety, aiding weight loss efforts.
Which tomatoes are best for caprese? ›
Types of Tomatoes for Caprese Salad
- Heirloom tomatoes: Most often I grab a variety of heirlooms from the farmers market. ...
- Beefsteak tomatoes: Big, bright red beefsteaks are good contenders.
- Smaller tomato varieties: You can also make a caprese with smaller tomato varieties, such as plum, Roma, cherry, grape, or Sungold.
You'll also be getting a good dose of potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Tomatoes get their signature red color from something called lycopene. Lycopene is linked to better heart and eye health. Basil – Basil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural essential oils.
Do Italians eat caprese? ›
Regardless of its true origins, Caprese salad has become a beloved staple of Italian cuisine.
How are you supposed to eat caprese? ›
It stays fresher and it's really easy to use a fork to break your portion up into bite size pieces. Or just eat it with your hands! Another way to serve a Caprese style salad is to chop everything into bite-size pieces, toss with the olive oil and vinegar, and serve over a bed of lettuce or as a chilled pasta salad.
What is another name for caprese? ›
Caprese salad is an Italian dish, also referred to as Insalata Caprese. The dish received its name from Capri, an island off the coast of Naples, Italy. You will notice that my recipe doesn't include balsamic vinegar.
What kind of mozzarella is used in caprese? ›
Ovolini mozzarella is just one size down from your standard large ball, perfect for when you're making a caprese for just one or two people. It can be made with buffalo milk, cow's milk, or a combination, but inside the states, it will be made with 100 percent cow's milk.
Balsamic—or any other type—does not belong on this dish, as caprese originates from the island of Capri in the south and balsamic vinegar comes from the north: two different culinary traditions.
Why is it called a caprese salad? ›
The heart of Italian mozzarella production and tomato cultivation is just across the Bay of Naples, in the region of Campania, so Capri makes sense as the birthplace of a salad based on mozzarella and vine-ripe tomatoes. A hotel menu provides the first written reference to insalata caprese.
Can you eat caprese salad as a meal? ›
Caprese Salad is terrific served as a side for sharing, as a light meal with crusty bread or piled onto toast with smashed avocado. Fresh and delightful! So I make my Caprese Salad with a vinaigrette for the main dressing then drizzle it with a balsamic glaze for an extra burst burst of flavour just before serving.
Is mozzarella cheese healthy? ›
Mozzarella is lower in fat and sodium than many other kinds of cheese, and part-skim varieties have even less total and saturated fat. Like other cheese, mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium and contains phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for optimal health.
What is another name for a caprese? ›
One of the most delicious dishes found in all of Italian cuisine is Caprese salad or the Insalata Caprese. This dish marries some of the most notable ingredients in Italian cuisine including tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
