Caprese salad is a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the flavors of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Originating from the Italian island of Capri, this classic salad is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, caprese salad is a perfect appetizer or light lunch. It is often served as a side dish to grilled meats or fish, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main course. In this article, we will explore the best recipes for caprese salad, offering variations on the traditional ingredients and techniques to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
CAPRESE SALAD
My husband and I love Caprese salad, but not the high prices we pay for it in restaurants. Here, we created our own version which tastes incredibly close, if not better, than any restaurant version we've tried. -Melissa Pearson, Sandy, Utah
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Arrange the tomatoes, cheese and basil on a serving platter. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients; drizzle over salad. If desired, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 19g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 161mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.
CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION
Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction and olive oil. Easy, impressive and delicious! Most grocery stores now sell prepared balsamic reductions. Surprisingly it's just as good!
Provided by stefychefy
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Stir balsamic vinegar and honey together in a small saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the vinegar mixture has reduced to 1/3 cup, about 10 minutes. Set the balsamic reduction aside to cool.
- Arrange alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese decoratively on a serving platter. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, spread fresh basil leaves over the salad, and drizzle with olive oil and the balsamic reduction.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 580.1 calories, Carbohydrate 34.8 g, Cholesterol 89.3 mg, Fat 38.8 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 18.2 g, Sodium 330.9 mg, Sugar 32.4 g
THE BEST CAPRESE SALAD
This classic Italian caprese salad is quintessential summer fare. Serve with a chilled white wine and enjoy in the sunshine or on a balmy summer evening!
Provided by ChefJackie
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a serving plate, alternating between them. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 405.2 calories, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Cholesterol 72.6 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 748.4 mg, Sugar 4.9 g
CAPRESE SALAD KABOBS
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 10m
Yield 12 kabobs.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- On each of 12 appetizer skewers, alternately thread 2 tomatoes, 1 cheese ball and 2 basil leaves. Whisk olive oil and vinegar; drizzle over kabobs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 44 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 10mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CAPRESE SALAD
For something fresh and Italian, make Rachael Ray's Caprese Salad recipe from 30 Minute Meals on Food Network; it's filled with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 10m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Layer alternating slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, adding a basil leaf between each, on a large, shallow platter. Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
TORTELLINI CAPRESE SALAD
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Cook 1 pound cheese tortellini as the label directs; drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with 1 pint halved heirloom cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces pearl mozzarella balls, 1/2 cup chopped basil, 1/3 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
ROASTED TOMATO CAPRESE SALAD
A new spin on the typical Caprese salad!
Provided by Jackie
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 2h45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
- Arrange tomatoes, cut sides up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with garlic, sugar, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Roast tomatoes in the preheated oven until they begin to turn brown and the juices become thick and sticky, about 2 hours. Let tomatoes cool to room temperature.
- Place tomato halves and slices of mozzarella cheese onto a serving platter, alternating tomatoes and cheese to make an attractive pattern; sprinkle salad with basil. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.8 calories, Carbohydrate 7.4 g, Cholesterol 59.5 mg, Fat 28 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 12.5 g, Sodium 167.2 mg, Sugar 6 g
PESTO PASTA CAPRESE SALAD
The traditional Caprese salad is modified to pasta form. The mozzarella used is a fresh mozzarella, if you use the brick style, it will not be the same. If you can't find the pearlini mozzarella, use the cieglini and cut it in half. Regular rotini pasta can be used but the cooking time will be different.
Provided by thedailygourmet
Categories Side Dish
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
- Mix pesto, olive oil, salt, granulated garlic, and black pepper in a bowl; add rotini. Toss to coat. Fold in tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 168.6 calories, Carbohydrate 17.1 g, Cholesterol 10.4 mg, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 173.1 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
ROASTED TOMATO CAPRESE SALAD BY BAREFOOT CONTESSA
Saw Ina Garten making this salad and as I was going to make the regular caprese salad for dinner tomorrow I switched gears and decided this was just to fabulous not to try....a different swing on a great salad.
Provided by CIndytc
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 2h30m
Yield 1 platter, 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
- Halve the tomatoes lengthwise, seeds removed, not cores.
- Arrange the tomatoes on a sheet pan, cut sides up, in a single layer. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with the garlic, sugar, 1 1/2 tespoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 2 hours or until the tomatoes are concentrated and begin to caramelize.
- Allow the tomotes to cool to room tempeture.
- Cut the mozzarella into slices slightly less than 1/2-inch thick. If the slices of mozzarella are larger than the tomatoes, cut the mozzarella slices in half. Layer the tomatoes alternately with the mozzarella on a platter and scatter the basil on top.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve at room temperature.
PEACH AND TOMATO CAPRESE SALAD
Heirloom tomatoes, peaches, and fresh mozzarella are layered and topped with a simple balsamic vinaigrette in this peach Caprese salad.
Provided by Julie Hubert
Categories Salad
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and 1 pinch flaked salt together in a bowl until dressing is smooth.
- Alternate tomato slices, peach slices, basil leaves, and mozzarella slices in layers on a platter. Drizzle dressing over salad and sprinkle remaining flaked salt on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 254.1 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Cholesterol 44.5 mg, Fat 19.1 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 11 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 568.5 mg, Sugar 7.2 g
CLASSIC CAPRESE SALAD
This classic summer dish doesn't get any simpler or more delicious. Use different-colored heirloom tomatoes for the prettiest salad, and buffalo milk mozzarella for the best tasting one.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories brunch, easy, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, appetizer, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- While mozzarella is cold, slice it into 1/4-inch slices. Let it sit, loosely covered, to come to room temperature while you prepare the tomatoes.
- Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices, leaving them in a single layer on the cutting board as you go. Sprinkle generously with salt.
- On a serving platter, arrange the mozzarella, tomato slices, and whole basil leaves so they overlap slightly. Pour any tomato juices from the cutting board over the dish. Sprinkle again with salt and pepper, and drizzle with plenty of oil. Top with reserved basil, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 262, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 478 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
ROASTED CAPRESE SALAD
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories side-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For the tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- On a large rimmed baking sheet, combine the cherry tomatoes, cocktail tomatoes and Roma or Campari tomatoes. Drizzle with the oil and scatter the torn basil over the top. Season with the salt and toss well to coat. Roast until the tomatoes are lightly browned and beginning to give off their juices, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
- For the salad: Arrange the tomatoes on a large platter. Tear the burrata over the top. Scatter the arugula and basil over the top and drizzle with the oil. Finish with the flake salt and black pepper, if desired.
BAKED CAPRESE SALAD
A baguette of French bread is cut into slices and toasted with roma tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese slices, then sprinkled with snipped fresh basil leaves and drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil.
Provided by Amanda
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 25m
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Arrange slices of baguette onto a baking sheet and brush both sides of each slice with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Toast the bread in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Flip the bread slices over and top each slice with a slice of tomato and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with salt.
- Return crostini to the oven and bake until tomato and mozzarella slices are warmed through, about 5 more minutes.
- Arrange the crostini onto a serving platter and sprinkle with basil. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle lightly with more sea salt and black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.2 calories, Carbohydrate 18.9 g, Cholesterol 29.8 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.1 g, Sodium 273.4 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
ROASTED PORTOBELLO CAPRESE SALAD
Tomatoes are roasted and then layered with the other traditional ingredients of a caprese salad -- mozzarella and basil -- over mushrooms.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place mushrooms and garlic on a rimmed baking sheet; coat with oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, and season with pepper. Roast, shaking sheet occasionally, for 20 minutes. Flip mushrooms and garlic to recoat with oil. Add tomatoes; flip to coat in oil, sprinkle with remaining teaspoon salt, and season with pepper. Roast until mushrooms are tender and tomatoes are soft, 20 minutes more.
- Rub softened garlic onto mushrooms. Place 1 mushroom on each of 4 plates, and top each with some basil. Stack another mushroom and 1 mozzarella slice onto each. Layer more basil, 1 tomato slice, more basil, then another tomato onto each. Divide arugula among plates, and drizzle with pan juices. Serve with bread if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 529 g, Cholesterol 30 g, Fat 36 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 22 g, Sodium 1373 g
LEMON, GARLIC, AND ASPARAGUS WARM CAPRESE PASTA SALAD
There are so many reasons I love this recipe. Caprese salad has to be one of my favorite summertime treats. There is nothing like a summer tomatoes' sweetness mixed with the peppery sweetness fresh basil offers, the zing of lemon and richness of garlic. It is SO good.
Provided by Ebwallace
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Caprese Salad Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain.
- Place asparagus into a saucepan, add a little water, and place over medium heat; cover pan and let asparagus steam until bright green and tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.
- Heat olive oil with butter and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until butter melts; cook and stir shallot in hot oil and butter mixture until it just begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir garlic into shallot mixture and cook until shallot and garlic are opaque, 3 more minutes. Stir asparagus and chicken into mixture; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Toss pasta with chicken and vegetables to combine; mix tomato and basil into salad and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.3 calories, Carbohydrate 60 g, Cholesterol 23.2 mg, Fat 17.6 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 54.3 mg, Sugar 4.4 g
SPINACH CAPRESE SALAD
A greener version of the classic Caprese, this salad is just as delicious with the added nutrients of spinach! The drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar make a wonderful dressing for the spinach underneath.
Provided by mcbeal
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Caprese Salad Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Spread the spinach out on a serving plate. Place the slices of tomato on the bed of spinach. Top each slice of tomato with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle the basil over the salad and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.2 calories, Carbohydrate 9 g, Cholesterol 89.2 mg, Fat 31.4 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 182.5 mg, Sugar 7.2 g
BAKED CAPRESE SALAD
Provided by Giada De Laurentiis
Categories appetizer
Time 30m
Yield 8 to 12 appetizer servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Arrange the sliced baguette bread on a baking sheet. Brush with some of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until the bread is pale golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven. Top each slice of bread with a slice of tomato and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top each slice of tomato with a slice of mozzarella and sprinkle with salt. Return the baking sheet to the oven until the cheese and tomato are warmed, about 5 minutes.
- Arrange the toasts on a serving platter. Top each toast with a basil leaf. Using the brush, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the basil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve.
CAPRESE PASTA SALAD
The dynamic trio of fresh basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomato are reunited once again in an American favorite- pasta salad. This light and fresh salad is great for a lunch, a side dish, or even a snack.
Provided by Pepi-Rainbow
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Caprese Salad Recipes
Time 1h25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the fusilli, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
- Place basil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic into a blender or food processor; cover and chop to a coarse paste. Add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue processing until a soft paste has formed. Set pesto aside.
- Combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, mozzarella, and pesto in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover bowl, refrigerate to chill for 45 minutes, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.9 calories, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 94 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
BAKED GOAT CHEESE CAPRESE SALAD
This is one of the most amazing and easy cheese appetizers ever. It's got that texture that people love about goat cheese. Basil and tomato have a proven track record of being incredibly delicious with creamy cheeses, and this is no exception.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Drizzle about 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil into the bottom of each 6-ounce ramekin and sprinkle about 1 tablespoon basil per ramekin over the oil. Place 1 goat cheese piece over the basil in each ramekin; surround with sliced cherry tomatoes. Top with cracked black pepper and cayenne. Spread 1 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining basil on top of each portion, place ramekins on a baking sheet, and drizzle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons more olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 178.4 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Cholesterol 22.4 mg, Fat 15.5 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 152.5 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
CAPRESE SALAD
This light, fresh salad is made with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. It is the perfect quick and easy accompaniment to any summer meal.
Provided by Summer Rose
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Tomato Salad Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Toss together the mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.2 calories, Carbohydrate 4.9 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 14.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.2 g, Sodium 357.5 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
Tips:
- Use ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor.
- If you don't have a slicing knife, you can use a sharp knife to cut the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- To make the dressing, you can whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- If you want to add a little extra flavor to the salad, you can sprinkle some chopped basil or oregano on top.
- Caprese salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Conclusion:
Caprese salad is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own personal taste. Whether you like it with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, or a balsamic glaze, caprese salad is a surefire crowd-pleaser. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give caprese salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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