One of the most delicious dishes found in all of Italian cuisine is Caprese salad or the Insalata Caprese. This dish marries some of the most notable ingredients in Italian cuisine including tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The dish has been popular for many decades, but where did it actually come from?
The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or “in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos”.
In the Early 1920s
The first origin story for Caprese salad dates back to post-World War I Italy. A patriotic mason wanted to make a dish that was a true tribute to Italy and that visually incorporated the tricolor into the presentation. The first printed mention of the Caprese salad was on a menu at the Hotel Quisisana.
After the initial positive response, Caprese salad was enjoyed by many but failed to really catch fire. King Farouk, in the 1950s, asked his chef for a light afternoon snack and was served a Caprese sandwich. At that point, the rest is history! Tourists began to flock to the region and Caprese salad soon became known as a staple of Capri food and culture. Over time, the recipe was refined and improved by adding bufala mozzarella instead of the traditional vaccine mozzarella.
Enjoy a Bite of History
Like many Italian cuisine dishes, Caprese salad is partially so popular because it is so easy to prepare. To make your own Caprese salad, gather the following:
- Mozzarella in a large ball to slice into delicious chunks
- Tomatoes that are perfectly ripe (not too mushy and not so firm that they are hard to cut) and a bright copper red in color
- A small amount of juice from the tomatoes to keep the entire dish moist during serving
- Fresh basil leaves, broken by hand and sprinkled over the top
- Your appetite for this delicious bite of Italian history!
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FAQ
Is caprese actually Italian?
What is the meaning of the Caprese salad?
What is a fun fact about Caprese salad?
What does caprese mean in Italian?
What is a caprese salad?
Caprese salad ( Italian: insalata caprese [insaˈlaːta kaˈpreːze; -eːse] or simply caprese) is an Italian salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt, and olive oil. It is usually arranged on a plate in restaurant practice.
Where did Caprese salad come from?
Recipes from Italy recounts a story that claims Caprese salad was first whipped up by an Italian bricklayer in the late 1930s who incorporated the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil into his sandwich. However, a couple of other stories say the dish goes back farther in time, and they involve the elements being eaten on their own as a no-frills salad.
What is a Capri salad?
Capri brings to mind summer, sunshine, and ease, so it’s only fitting that this simple, irresistible salad is named for the Tyhrennian island. Caprese salad comprises tomatoes, mozzarella, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, some fragrant basil leaves, perhaps some salt, and that’s it. Just add a side of toasted bread and you’re done.
Can you eat a caprese salad in Italy?
In the States, you’ll often find a caprese salad drizzled with some balsamic vinegar and served with some toasted bread as a light lunch. However, this is not the Italian way. The traditional Italian way of eating insalata caprese is as an antipasto, or starter, to your meal.