An Italian Classic
Everyone knows it: the Insalata Caprese – an iconic dish from Italy. As the name suggests, this salad originates from the island of Capri, located in the picturesque Bay of Naples.
Caprese is a light, refreshing dish that’s easy to prepare. Slices of ripe tomato alternate with creamy mozzarella, topped with fresh basil and generously drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. A pinch of black pepper completes the dish. Perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch.
Capri: A Hub of Style and Taste
From the late 19th century onwards, Capri became a popular vacation spot for the European elite. Writers, artists, and nobility found inspiration and tranquility in their private villas or luxurious hotels. It was in this setting that the Caprese salad gained its fame.
The Myth of the Italian Flag
It is often claimed that the Caprese was deliberately created to reflect the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). While this is a charming story, it is more coincidence than intention — a myth born from romantic patriotic symbolism.
The First Mention: 1924
The earliest mention of the Caprese salad dates back to 1924. Poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, founder of Futurism, was staying at the exclusive Hotel Quisisana on Capri. Frustrated by the constant pasta offerings, he demanded something new and lighter.
The chef, both irritated and creative, quickly assembled a lunch using fresh ingredients on hand: tomato, mozzarella, basil, and a splash of olive oil — served on a piece of bread. And thus, the Caprese was born.
The Salad Evolves
In the years that followed, the salad’s composition changed. The bread disappeared, and the classic olive oil was sometimes complemented with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Cow’s milk mozzarella was replaced by buffalo mozzarella, although there are no buffaloes on Capri itself.
On Capri, some versions substituted basil with arugula or added a sprinkle of dried oregano. Yet for many purists, the original version with fresh basil and no balsamic remains unmatched. When it comes to a good Caprese, less is more.
Modern Variations
While the traditional Caprese never loses its charm, culinary creativity continues. Contemporary variations combine tomato and mozzarella with surprising ingredients like peach slices or melon — adding a playful twist to the classic dish.
Delicious, innovative, and healthy — as long as the extra virgin olive oil remains the star of the show.
Make Your Own Classic Caprese
Ingredients (for 2 servings):
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2 ripe tomatoes
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125 g buffalo mozzarella
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A handful of fresh basil leaves
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (preferably from our own harvest)
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Freshly ground black pepper
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(optional) Pinch of sea salt
Preparation:
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Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even, thin slices.
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Arrange them alternately on a plate, slightly overlapping.
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Scatter the basil leaves on top.
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Generously drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
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Season with pepper (and salt if desired).
Enjoy the simplicity of Italian cuisine — pure, fresh, and full of flavor.
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