The Italian salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is Caprese salad.
Caprese salad, or insalata caprese, is usually made by alternating slices of ripe tomato and fresh mozzarella with basil leaves. Salt and extra-virgin olive oil provide the basic seasoning. The ingredients create green, white, and red colors, echoing the Italian flag, although the salad’s name comes from the island of Capri.
Caprese is associated with Campania, especially Capri and the surrounding Bay of Naples. In Italy it is commonly served as an antipasto rather than as a lettuce-based salad. Regional versions may use cow’s-milk fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella, depending on local preference and availability.
A common misconception is that balsamic vinegar is essential. Italian preparations often omit vinegar because it can overpower the delicate flavor of fresh mozzarella. Caprese is also distinct from insalata tricolore: that broader salad shares the Italian color scheme but may use any green ingredient, not necessarily basil.