By: Bunny Porath
This Caprese Stack is the Showstopper at Every Dinner Table
If there’s one dish we make on repeat in our home, it’s this: a beautifully layered Caprese salad. It’s our go-to whenever guests come over, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, it brings a touch of color and charm to the table, whether it’s a sunny summer lunch or a cozy winter dinner.
Caprese salad may be simple, but don’t let that fool you. The combination of mozzarella, juicy ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil is Italian perfection at its finest. And when you layer it just right, it feels more like a composed centerpiece than just a side dish.
“In our family, it’s more than just food. My grandson loves helping me build the layers, piece by piece. It’s become our little ritual, one that turns an everyday recipe into something special.”
What Makes Caprese So Irresistible?
Caprese salad comes from the island of Capri in Italy, and it’s meant to celebrate simple, high-quality ingredients. The classic trio of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil is designed to reflect the Italian flag, but it also creates a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and herbal flavors.
- Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor. The kind packed in water or brine is ideal—soft, mild, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Tomatoes: Choose large, firm tomatoes—like heirloom or vine-ripened varieties—that closely match the size of your mozzarella slices for easy stacking. Their juiciness and rich flavor are essential to the dish. Avoid cherry or grape tomatoes for this version, as they’re too small for proper layering.
- Basil: Always fresh. Its aroma alone is enough to make the whole dish come alive.
- Olive oil (a must) and balsamic (optional): A light drizzle ties everything together.
This is the kind of dish that feels light and refreshing in the summer, but equally comforting and savory in colder months, making it a staple all year long. When guests are coming or when you just want something fresh and satisfying without turning on the stove, this no-fuss Caprese salad stack delivers every time.
Recipe: Layered Caprese Salad
Ingredients: (feeds 4)
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 balls of fresh mozzarella (8 oz), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 handfuls of fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Optional: balsamic glaze or reduction
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- On a large serving plate or platter, start by placing a slice of tomato.
- Layer a slice of mozzarella on top, followed by a fresh basil leaf.
- Continue layering, slightly overlapping the ingredients in a circular or linear pattern, depending on your platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and, if desired, balsamic glaze.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper just before serving.
Pro Tip: If serving to a group, make individual stacks for a more elegant presentation—or let your grandkids help layer it like we do for some special quality time in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want something fresh and feel-good for dinner, this salad always hits the mark. It’s colorful, flavorful, and best of all, done in minutes.
Serving Tip: This salad can be arranged in 2 or 3 neat rows on a large platter to pass around the table family-style, or built into smaller stacks on individual salad plates for a more elegant presentation. Either way, it looks beautiful and disappears fast.
About the Author
Bunny, a Maryland native, is enjoying retired life in Charleston, South Carolina, alongside her husband after many fulfilling years as a teacher. She’s a proud mom of two and loves every moment of being Nana to her wonderful grandson.
