MSG Free Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes
Few dishes capture the pure pleasure of summer produce the way this classic Italian salad does. Heirloom tomatoes in a riot of colors — deep reds, golden yellows, striped greens — make the platter as gorgeous to look at as it is to eat, and their complex, sweet-tart flavor is miles ahead of anything you'd find in a plastic clamshell. Creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil round everything out with an effortless elegance that feels almost too easy for how impressive it looks. For anyone avoiding monosodium glutamate, this recipe is a natural fit because every single ingredient is whole and unprocessed — no seasoning packets, no bottled dressings, no cured meats with hidden additives. The only flavoring comes from flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and an optional balsamic glaze, so you have complete control over what goes on the plate. It's the kind of dish that proves you don't need anything artificial to build serious, satisfying flavor. Serve it immediately after assembling so the tomatoes stay vibrant and the mozzarella stays cool and fresh.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ lb heirloom tomatoes (assorted colors and sizes), sliced ¼ inch thick
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼ inch thick
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tsp balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating and overlapping them in a single shingled layer.
- 2
Tuck the basil leaves between and over the tomato and mozzarella slices, distributing them evenly across the platter.
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