Bistro Classics
Classic Caprese
Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil with olive oil and balsamic glaze—simple, bright, and always a win.
Why we love it
No cooking, no fuss—just peak flavors that feel restaurant-level in minutes.
Tip
Salt the tomato slices for 1 minute before plating to wake up the flavor, then finish with olive oil and glaze.
Classic Caprese
Ingredients
Use ripe-but-firm tomatoes and pat slices dry to keep the platter from getting watery.
- 1 1/2 lbripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 12 ozfresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 cupfresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- to tasteflaky sea salt
- to tastefreshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbspbalsamic glaze
Prep plan
Prep checklist
- Wash and dry tomatoes and basil
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella
- Set out a serving platter and seasonings
Make ahead
Slice tomatoes and mozzarella up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate separately; assemble right before serving.
Serving tip
Add basil and balsamic glaze at the end for the freshest look and flavor.
Method
- Step 1
Prep
Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil. Set out a serving platter.
- Step 2
Slice
Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Step 3
Assemble
Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices in an overlapping pattern. Tuck basil leaves between slices.
- Step 4
Finish
Season with flaky salt and black pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Substitutions
Want to swap ingredients (especially protein)? Make changes in Instacart® before checkout.
- Swap mozzarella for burrata (tear and nestle on top)
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of glaze for a lighter finish
- Make it dairy-free: use a plant-based mozzarella alternative
