Caprese Salad Recipe

A refreshing Caprese Salad will never grow old. Even your kids would not be immune to the amazingly uplifting powers of the simple salad; they will regularly want it in their lunch boxes. 

The beauty of Caprese salad is the diverse ways of making it and the simplicity of its ingredients, which are easily accessible all year round.

The trick to good Caprese salad is marinating. After making the salad, allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The salt will draw out the juices in the tomato, and the dried oregano will impart its huge flavor. The mozzarella will soften and round out the acidic and herby flavors.

Why You Should Try The Recipe

There’s no denying that caprese salad is one of the Italian classics that sate the soul. Try it because;

1. It is a perfect excuse to sit down and enjoy a pound of cheese.
2. It is a flexible recipe. No absolutes; you can fine tune your taste with ingredient adjustments.
3. The ingredients are readily available, year-round.
4. You need only 10 minutes.
5. Goes well with various main dishes.

Ingredient Substitutes

Even though this recipe is an Italian classic worth trying, you can curate your version with various ingredient substitutions. Your Italian friend may not appreciate the ingredient substitutions for the precious kah-pre-seh, tread carefully.

• Cherry tomatoes: Use regular tomatoes. Cut them in large chunks for similar results. 1 cup of cherry tomatoes equals one medium tomato when chopped. So, you’ll need two medium tomatoes for the recipe.
• Mozzarella balls: Swap it with feta cheese or semi-soft mozzarella cut in cubes.
• Red wine Vinegar: White or apple cider vinegar will do.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A pinch of monk fruit sweetener will give a similar fix
• Olive oil: MCT oil is a great alternative. Avocado oil would be equally great.
• Basil leaves: Do you lack fresh basil leaves in your kitchen? You can make do with the dried basil on your spice rack.

Additional Ingredients

If you are not much of a recipe purist, try these extra ingredients for a unique taste.

• Chili flakes add heat and a bright lift to the all-rounded flavor profile.
• Cucumbers add more freshness and crunch to the salad. Remove the seeds, as they can water down the salad when you introduce salt.
• Grilled shrimp or chicken with the salad as a side makes for a fancy lunch option.
• Avocado is a fabulous accompaniment to the juicy caprese salad as it offers creaminess and healthy fats.

Note: These are optional ingredients that you can get to accompany your fresh, juicy, caprese salad. Enjoy the delightful salad by itself  if you can’t access any of them.

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: Step-by-step guide

Cooking Method

No-cook recipe.

Preparation Steps

For the Salad

1. Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters.
2. Cut the mozzarella balls into halves.
3. Add the cut tomatoes and mozzarella to a bowl.
4. Add oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well.

For the Dressing

1. Add the balsamic and red wine vinegar to the small bowl.
2. Add the olive oil and whisk until emulsified.
3. Pour the mixture over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
4. At the last minute, slice the basil thinly and add to the dressed salad. Mix gently to avoid bruising the basil.
5. 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 the day before. Do not add salt or any herbs to maintain their texture.
• Mix the herbs, vinegars, 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 great aroma and deep flavors.

Stress-free Preparation Tip

• Prepare the salad first before preparing the dressing. This allows the salad to marinate for at least 10 minutes as you prepare the dressing. 

What to Serve With Caprese Salad

Enjoy this low-carb and gluten-free Caprese Salad with:

• Chimichurri steak: The steak’s vibrant flavor pairs well with the salad’s freshness.
• Roasted green beans and carrots: Serve with caprese on the side to make the perfect dinner spread.
• Seared salmon: I like to top the salmon with cilantro for extra herby freshness. The salmon’s crispiness and savoriness complement the Caprese’s intense flavors and freshness.
• Crusty baguette: If you add a bunch of purple grapes and a bottle of wine, you have the perfect combo for watching ratatouille. 

Storage, Freezing, and Re-heating Tips

Storage Tip

• This caprese salad recipe is textural and will only be as good if stored in the fridge for not more than a day. Longer refrigeration changes the salad’s texture to an unappetizing, soggy mixture.

Freezing and re-heating

Do not freeze or heat the salad.

General Notes

• You may serve the salad immediately after preparation; however, letting it sit for 10 minutes enhances its flavor. Remember to cut and add the basil right before serving to avoid browning.
• When cooking at BBQs, cookouts, or other outdoor activities, keep the salad away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as the cheese will melt.

Caprese Salad Recipe Final Thoughts

Good Caprese salad is delightfully fresh, juicy, and textural. This simple, unfussy recipe yields well-balanced flavors and a good crunch that goes well with such things as grilled chicken or shrimp, seared salmon, or steak. You may also very happily eat it by itself. Easy and customizable, anyone, including kids, can enjoy this low-carb, gluten-free caprese salad recipe any time of the year.

Have you tried the recipe? How did you like it? Share your photos and experiences with me in the comment section below. 

PS: If you are conscious about the correct Italian pronunciation, it’s KAH-PRE-SEH. 

Looking to try another salad recipe? Here is an irresistible option:

Cucumber Salad

FAQs

Which tomatoes are best for Caprese Salad?

Smaller tomato varieties, such as cherry, grape, plum, Roma, or Sungold, are the best tomato options for Caprese salad because they are easily halved and enjoyable when raw.

How can I avoid making watery Caprese Salad?

Watery caprese results from the excess water released from fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. After cutting the mozzarella and tomatoes, lay the pieces on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.