The Campania Caprese Salad is a culinary tribute to the unassuming brilliance of Italian cuisine, specifically the vibrant Campania region in southern Italy. Campania is home to some of the finest Mediterranean ingredients, and this salad showcases the region’s deep-rooted love for simplicity, freshness, and unparalleled flavor.
Originating from the Island of Capri, which sits in the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, the Caprese Salad not only represents Campania’s culinary traditions but also echoes Italy’s national colors—red from the tomatoes, white from the mozzarella, and green from the basil—which symbolize passion, purity, and hope. Its name, “Caprese,” pays homage to its birthplace, and it is fondly referred to as “Insalata Caprese” in Italian. Despite its humble origins, this salad has achieved global renown, loved for its versatility and timeless charm.
The hallmark of a true Caprese Salad, and what sets the Campania version apart, is the authenticity and quality of its ingredients. Heirloom tomatoes play a central role, with their striking colors, juicy flesh, and complex sweetness making them the quintessential ingredient. Their sun-kissed flavor embodies the warm Mediterranean climate of Campania. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to San Marzano or local heirlooms, they lend a layer of flavor and texture that elevates the dish beyond compare.
Equally critical to the dish is buffalo mozzarella, or “mozzarella di bufala campana”. This creamy and silky cheese is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, handmade from the milk of water buffaloes raised in Campania. The milky richness of this cheese provides a soft and luxurious base that balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. When paired with fresh basil—whose bright, aromatic leaves create a herbaceous contrast—the salad becomes a perfect medley of sweet, creamy, and fragrant notes.
Extra-virgin olive oil adds the essential finishing touch to this dish. A robust, peppery olive oil, preferably Italian, not only enhances the flavors of the other ingredients but also ties them together into a harmonious bite. A sprinkling of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper rounds off the dish, enhancing its flavors while allowing each element to shine individually.
The beauty of the Campania Caprese Salad lies in its simplicity, where the focus remains on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. It’s no surprise that this salad is a quintessential part of Italian summer dining, best enjoyed al fresco with a view of the sea, framed by a warm golden sunset. However, it also carries an elegance and versatility that lend it a place on the table year-round, whether as an appetizer, a refreshing side dish, or even a light main course.
Perhaps what makes the Caprese Salad most special is the philosophy it represents. Italian cuisine is world-famous for its ability to prioritize quality over quantity, embracing the idea that when truly exceptional ingredients are used, minimal preparation is needed. In essence, the Campania Caprese Salad celebrates unpretentious luxury—where simplicity meets excellence, and nature takes center stage.
Campania Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Organic heirloom tomatoes large, ripe, and sliced thick
- 1 cup Buffalo mozzarella fresh and sliced
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves whole
- 2 tablespoons (affiliate link)olive oil preferably Italian
- 1 pinch (affiliate link)Sea salt preferably flakey Maldon salt for texture
- 1 pinch Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes on a large serving platter, layering them with slices of buffalo mozzarella. Alternate between tomato and cheese, making sure each slice overlaps slightly for the iconic Caprese look.
- Tuck whole basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices, allowing their vibrant green color to contrast with the red and white.
- Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil generously over the salad, allowing it to pool slightly around the edges of the tomatoes.
- Finish with a sprinkling of sea salt to enhance the sweet and savory flavors, and add freshly cracked black pepper to taste for a gentle spice.