Caprese Salad — ALL Homegrown and Homemade
Wondering about the name of the salad? It's insalata Caprese, meaning a salad in the style of Capri, the famed island off the coast of Italy. With a little effort, you can create a Caprese salad entirely from ingredients you’ve grown or made at home. Let’s explore how to grow, make, and assemble this timeless dish!
Growing Tomatoes
One of the best reasons for growing your own tomatoes is the simple pleasure of turning them into as many Caprese salads as you could possibly want all summer long. There is something especially satisfying about stepping into the garden, picking a few ripe tomatoes at their peak, and bringing them straight to the kitchen. The flavor is richer, sweeter, and far more memorable than anything from the store. For our salad, we used homegrown Prudens Purple and orange Valencia tomatoes, two varieties that brought both beauty and incredible taste to the plate. The Prudens Purple added a deep rosy color and a rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor, while the Valencia offered a bright burst of orange and a smooth, slightly sweet finish. Layered with fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt, the tomatoes truly stole the show. A Caprese salad made with homegrown tomatoes is one of the easiest ways to celebrate the harvest, and once you’ve had it this fresh, the store-bought version barely stands a chance.
Growing Basil
No Caprese salad is complete without fresh basil, the herb that gives this classic dish its signature aroma and bright, peppery flavor. Growing your own basil is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to elevate summer meals, since a few freshly picked leaves can make a huge difference in both taste and presentation. Unlike store-bought basil, which can wilt or lose its fragrance quickly, homegrown basil can be harvested just moments before serving, giving your dishes a freshness that is hard to beat. Its soft green leaves pair perfectly with ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, adding a layer of flavor that ties the whole salad together. Beyond Caprese, fresh basil is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in pasta, pesto, sandwiches, and homemade pizza. With regular picking, basil plants will continue producing throughout the season, making them a reliable favorite in the garden. Grow your own, and you will always have a fragrant, flavorful finishing touch close at hand.
Pressing Olive Oil
Want to take your homemade Caprese salad to the next level? Grow your own olive trees and press fresh olive oil. Tricia demonstrates planting olive trees, and our articles explain how to choose olive trees.
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Variations on Caprese Salad
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness.
- Incorporate sliced peaches or nectarines for a fruity twist.
- Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Layer in roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added depth.
Enjoy Your Homegrown Caprese Salad
With fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, homemade mozzarella, and the possibility of home-pressed olive oil, your Caprese salad will be a true farm-to-table masterpiece. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a dish entirely from your own efforts. Happy gardening and cooking!
