Wow guests with a caprese bar!

With its layers of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, caprese salad captures the essence of summer in every bite! Make it the star of your next party with a help-yourself bar stocked with at-their-peak produce and tasty garnishes.

1 Pick peak-season tomatoes!

The best caprese starts with top tomatoes! The morning of your party, head to the farmers’ market (or your backyard!) and buy the juiciest, plumpest specimens you can find. Globe-shaped heirloom varieties like Brandywine and small cherry tomatoes have the sweetest flavor. You’ll also want fresh mozzarella packed in water, and plenty of basil leaves. Estimate about two medium tomatoes per person, plus 2 oz. to 3 oz. of cheese. Fun! For a pretty twist, use cookie cutters to cut slices of mozzarella into hearts or stars!

2 Prep your ingredients!

An hour before your party, bring the mozzarella to room temperature and wash and dry your basil. Just before guests arrive, slice tomatoes and arrange on a platter. Mozzarella rounds should go on another platter and torn basil leaves in a bowl. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and slices of crusty bread for anyone who wants to make a sandwich.

Tip! For the prettiest presentation, include yellow and green tomatoes or purple basil!

3 Customize your caprese!

Guests will love layering their own perfect salad with various toppings—and coming back to try a new twist! Offer cubes of feta cheese or hunks of Parmesan as an alternative to mozzarella, then set out grilled zucchini or eggplant, plus slices of prosciutto or salami. Add bowls of olives, sun-dried tomatoes and capers, and a jar of pesto sauce for extra basil flavor. Chili flakes, roasted garlic cloves and peppery arugula leaves will please guests who like a real flavor punch!

Yum! For a Southern twist on the classic Italian dish, fry up some green tomatoes to add to your spread. Simply dip firm tomato slices in 1 part cornmeal to 1 part flour. Dredge in a bowl of beaten egg and fry in 1/4 cup canola oil until crispy; sprinkle with salt.

4 Open a bottle of white!

Fruity white wines pair perfectly with sweet, acidic tomatoes and creamy cheese. Pick up a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay and chill it in the fridge for 30-40 minutes before serving. What about dessert? You can’t go wrong with lemon sorbet, pistachio gelato or chilled tiramisu— all Italian summer favorites!