This Caprese Salad Recipe Is Perfect for Summer in Delaware

A caprese salad celebrates fresh ingredients enjoyed at their peak, says Dan Butler, owner of Piccolina Toscana in Trolley Square and Brandywine Prime in Chadds Ford, PA. Traditionally, the recipe focuses on tomatoes, buffalo milk mozzarella, basil and a good olive oil, but Butler likes to dress it up to “make it extra special.”

The basic building blocks of the perfect caprese are tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and a good olive oil. This recipe uses burrata, but if you prefer mozzarella, you can always switch it out. A good caprese often includes a variety of tomatoes, so we recommend heirlooms and whatever other varieties you prefer—it’s best to get them local, so whatever is available at the farmers market is always a good choice. Butler’s recipe deviates from the classic caprese, adding some fun and flavorful touches that are sure to impress. 

Caprese is a perfect salad for entertaining. It’s simple, bursting with fresh flavor and easy to customize. You could toss the ingredients in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Or, brighten your dinner table with a fun presentation. With so many colorful ingredients, it’s easy to unleash your creative side by arranging the elements in a visually impactful way. Including a dish like this in your appetizer or dinner spread is sure to wow guests—and it will taste as good as it looks! 

If you want to make a caprese salad in Delaware, this is an ideal time of year to do it. Heirloom tomatoes are starting to ripen and will remain in season through early fall. Since this caprese showcases fresh ingredients front-and-center with a simple preparation, it’s best to use fresh, local produce. Check out Delaware’s health food shops and farmers markets to find the best local tomatoes before you get started.

If you try this recipe at home, post your photos on Instagram and tag @delawaretodaymagazine.

Recipe by Dan Butler, originally published in Delaware Today‘s June 2021 issue.