Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsCucina ToscanaCaprese Recipe

Caprese Recipe

Inspired by Cucina Toscana
Time15m
Serves4

Sliced buffalo mozzarella, garden tomato, fresh basil, sliced cucumber, red onion, black pepper, salt, oregano, garlic, then drizzled with olive oil

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Ingredients

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Salad

Method

Salad

  1. 1

    Prepare ingredients

    Drain buffalo mozzarella from its liquid and pat gently with paper towels. Slice mozzarella into 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds. Wash tomatoes and slice into 1/4-inch rounds or into wedges if using larger tomatoes (aim for similar thickness to mozzarella). Peel cucumber if desired and slice into 1/8–1/4-inch rounds. Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half-moons; separate into rings. Pick basil leaves from stems and leave whole or tear large leaves in half.

  2. 2

    Arrange

    On a large platter or individual plates, arrange alternating slices of mozzarella and tomato in a single overlapping row or circular pattern. Tuck cucumber slices and basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices. Scatter the thin red onion slices evenly over the arranged salad.

Seasoning & Dressing

  1. 3

    Make garlic-infused oil

    Finely mince or grate the garlic clove. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with the extra-virgin olive oil and let sit 2–3 minutes to mellow and infuse.

  2. 4

    Season and drizzle

    Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over the arranged salad. Lightly season with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, distributing so each slice gets a little. Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the salad — use about 2–3 tablespoons total. Taste and adjust: add a pinch more salt or pepper if desired.

  3. 5

    Finish and serve

    Let the salad sit 3–5 minutes at room temperature so flavors mingle, then garnish with any reserved whole basil leaves. Serve immediately as a starter or side.

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