Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Italy with a classic Caprese Salad. This timeless dish combines fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a burst of Mediterranean goodness in every bite. Whether you need a refreshing appetizer, a light lunch, or a colorful side dish, this Caprese Salad recipe celebrates simplicity and flavors.
The best part? Everyone in the family loves it! My kids even love to put this simple salad in their lunch boxes—that's how delicious it is. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let's go!
This recipe is:
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love this Recipe
Whether it's summer or not, I'm always coming back to this easy salad recipe—that's how simple and delicious it is! Here are some reasons to convince you right away!
This recipe is:
- Fresh, flavorful, and has simple ingredients!
- Quick and easy preparation!
- Ready to eat in minutes!
- Fantastic flavor balance!
- Perfect as a lunch or as a side dish for your favorite dishes!
Is Caprese Salad Low-Carb?
Yes, the Caprese salad recipe can be low-carb by using low carb ingredients and dressing. I have made this Italian salad with only 1g of net carbs, making it a perfect choice for anyone on a low carb diet.
Caprese Salad Ingredient List
Making caprese salad is super straightforward. It needs just a few key ingredients. I have also added some substitutions below if you want to swap anything.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked pepper
- ½ cup loosely packed basil leaves
Ingredients Substitutes
- Cherry tomatoes: You can use regular ripe tomatoes with large tomato slices.
- Mozzarella balls: Swap them with Feta cheese or semi-soft mozzarella cut into cubes.
- Balsamic vinegar: A pinch of monk fruit sweetener will give a similar fix.
- Olive oil: I love extra virgin olive oil with tomatoes, but if you don't have it, use MCT or avocado oil.
- Basil leaves: No fresh basil leaves in your kitchen? You can make the most out of the dried basil in your pantry.
Additional Ingredients
Want to spice things up? Here are some fun variations to try with this juicy tomato salad.
- Chili flakes: If you love things spicy, chili flakes do the job very well.
- Cucumbers: Add some fresh tomatoes to enjoy a delicious cucumber tomato salad. Remove the seeds, as they can water down the salad when you introduce salt.
- Grilled meat: Want some protein? Add shrimp or grilled chicken chunks to the salad for flavor and nutrition.
- Avocado: Adding avocado slices enhances the fresh taste of this salad, as they offer creaminess and healthy fats.
Note: These are optional ingredients (and not part of the original recipe) that you can get to accompany your fresh, juicy caprese salad.
Preparation Tools Required
To make this Caprese salad recipe, you will need the following tools:
- Knife
- Chopping board
- 2 Bowls (large and small)
- Measuring cup
- Tablespoon
- Teaspoon
How To Make Caprese Salad: A Complete Guide
Cooking Method
No-cook recipe.
Preparation Steps
For the Salad
- Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters.
- Cut the mozzarella balls into halves.
- Add the cut tomatoes and mozzarella to a bowl.
- Add oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well.
For the Dressing
- Add the balsamic and red wine vinegar to the small bowl.
- Add the olive oil and whisk until emulsified.
- Pour the mixture over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- At the last minute, slice the basil thinly and add to the dressed salad. Mix gently to avoid bruising the basil.
- Serve immediately.
Step 1: Combine the seasonings with the cut mozzarella and tomatoes in a bowl.
Step 2: Mix everything together gently.
Step 3: In a separate, small bowl, mix the dressing.
Step 4: Pour the dressing onto the tomato mozzarella salad.
Step 5: Add fresh basil right before serving.
Step 6: Mix gently together to incorporate and serve immediately.
💡 My Pro Tip
Basil shrivels and turns brown if it sits for a while after cutting. You don't want brown basil in your fresh caprese salad. As you prepare other ingredients, set the basil aside and cut it at the last minute when you are ready to serve the salad.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
Be Efficient
- Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella in advance, like a day before. Do not add salt or any herbs to maintain their texture.
- Mix the herbs, vinegar, and oil in advance. Besides cutting down prep time, you will get a more delicious salad as the herbs open up in the oil, imparting delicious aroma and flavors.
Stress-free Preparation Tip
- Prepare the salad first before preparing the dressing. It allows the salad to marinate for at least 10 minutes as you prepare the dressing.
What to Serve With Caprese Salad?
While Caprese salad is a classic dish to enjoy as an appetizer choice, a perfect side dish, or a standalone salad, it's always flavorful to pair with other main courses. Here are my favorite combinations:
- Flat Iron Pan Seared Steak: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect balance of flavors - that's what happens when you pair this side dish salad with flat iron steak!
- Pork Kabobs: To add a more classic Mediterranean touch to your meals, pair pork kabobs with this easy summer salad for a delicious taste.
- Oven Baked Chicken Fajitas: Pairing this simple salad with backed chicken fajitas makes a complete meal. Talk about flavor and nutrition!
- Saucy Beef Stroganoff: Looking for a delicious variation? Pair this saucy beef stroganoff with the salad to enjoy a light yet flavorful combination.
- Pan Seared Lamb Loin Chops: I love the Caprese flavors with my pan-seared lamb loin chops. The pairing turns out to be an amazingly delicious dish!
Storage Instructions
This caprese salad recipe is textural and will only be as good if stored in the fridge for one day. Longer refrigeration changes the salad's texture to an unappetizing, soggy mixture.
Conclusion
This Caprese Salad recipe is a timeless favorite. It's simple, fresh, and full of delicious flavors, making it great for parties or a casual meal. Whether you have it as a starter, side dish, or main course, the mix of tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze tastes amazing and reminds you of sunny days. Enjoy this classic salad and savor the goodness of summer with every bite!
Loved this recipe? Remember to rate it in the recipe card below! If you have any questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below and I will respond.
FAQs
Smaller tomato varieties like cherry, grape, plum, roma, or sungold are the best tomato options for caprese salad because they are easily halved and enjoyable when raw.
Your salad can become watery due to excess water released from fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. After cutting the mozzarella and tomatoes, lay the pieces on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Caprese Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper
- ½ cup loosely packed basil leaves
Instructions
For the Salad
- Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters.
- Cut the mozzarella balls into halves.
- Add the cut tomatoes and mozzarella to a bowl.
- Add oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well.
For the Dressing
- Add the balsamic and red wine vinegar to the small bowl.
- Add the olive oil and whisk until emulsified.
- Pour the mixture over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- At the last minute, slice the basil thinly and add to the dressed salad. Mix gently to avoid bruising the basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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4 Responses
I saw this on Facebook the other day. Although the tomatoes aren't the best at this time of year, this was light and really tasty. Love the fresh take!!
Hey Theresa:
My family and I love this light salad too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate it.
Have a fantastic day in the kitchen!
Scott