Fresh Italian Caprese Salad Recipe

We took a road trip through Northern and Central Italy (Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria) and enjoyed the food in Italy throughout. But one of our favorite dishes was an incredibly simple one that we made ourselves: Caprese Salad.

Ingredients

Fresh mozzarella, sliced to taste
Fresh tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Olive oil
Sea salt
Pepper

Tuscan hillsides outside Pienza, Italy

The Story

We had just checked in to an Agriturismo near Pienza in Tuscany. Upon check-in the hosts said we were welcome to eat anything from their garden. We had planned to drive to town to a restaurant, but we had been driving all day and all we wanted to do was enjoy our new home base with the cheese and wine we picked up along the way. And after a stroll in the garden, we were shocked. There was everything. Herbs, potatoes, kale, tomatoes, and more. Inspiration struck and luckily, fresh mozzarella was one of the things we brought. The small kitchen provided the rest.

Putting it all together

Preparation

Arrange slices alternating on a plate or platter. Drizzle with olive oil. Then salt and pepper to taste. That’s it!

Simplicity is the key

All over Italy we were struck by how simple the food is but how complicated it is to achieve. Quality ingredients, such as what were used in this dish, are key. This salad could not be fresher. Hyper local produce, olive oil and wine from the next town over, it was amazing. Keep it simple. Keep it local.

Pienza, Italy

The pool at the Agriturismo

Pienza, Italy on the map