Best 4 The Best Caprese Salad Recipes

Caprese salad is a refreshing and flavorful Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is simple to make and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. With only a few key ingredients, this classic salad combines the sweet ripeness of tomatoes, the creamy richness of mozzarella cheese, and the fragrant herbal notes of basil.

This article offers a collection of the best Caprese salad recipes to suit various preferences and dietary needs. From the classic Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil to modern twists with grilled peaches, roasted bell peppers, and balsamic glaze, there's a recipe for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to the traditional Caprese salad, this article also explores variations such as the Vegan Caprese Salad, made with plant-based cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and the Grilled Caprese Salad Skewers, perfect for summer barbecues. For a heartier meal, the Caprese Salad Pasta combines the flavors of the classic salad with the convenience of pasta.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the Caprese Salad Dessert Skewers are a delightful combination of fresh berries, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze. Whether you're looking for a classic Caprese salad recipe or a creative twist on this timeless dish, this article has you covered. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a journey of culinary delight with these enticing Caprese salad recipes.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze image

In this jazzed up Caprese salad, a balsamic glaze adds a pop of tangy-sweet flavor to every bite.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories Salads

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

3 heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices
½ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt, divided
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch slices (pre-sliced is fine)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Balsamic glaze (store-bought), for drizzling
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil, plus more whole sprigs to garnish the platter

Steps:

Arrange the tomato slices on a cutting board. Sprinkle with sugar and ¼ teaspoon of the salt and let sit for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves.
Arrange the sliced tomatoes on a serving platter, alternating with the sliced mozzarella. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over top, followed by an equal amount of the balsamic glaze (it's fine to just eyeball it). Scatter the roughly chopped basil over top. Garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 264, Fat 19 g, Carbohydrate 5 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sugar 4 g, Fiber 1 g, Sodium 672 mg, Cholesterol 60 mg

CAPRESE SALAD

Caprese Salad image

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

Ingredients

4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

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

Caprese Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 cups balsamic vinegar
3 ripe tomatoes
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, thickly sliced
Large bunch fresh basil leaves
Olive oil, for drizzling
Large pinch kosher salt
Large pinch freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

Measure the balsamic vinegar and pour into a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil over a low heat. Cook it until the balsamic vinegar has reduced to a nice thick glaze (but still pourable), about 15 minutes. Oh and one other thing, your house will stink. But it's a good kind of stink, it's a vinegary stink. Allow the reduction to cool to room temperature before you serve it.
When you are ready to assemble the salad, cut the tomatoes into thick slices. Arrange them on a platter, alternating them with the mozzarella slices. Tuck the whole basil leaves in between the tomato and cheese slices.
Drizzle on the gorgeous, almost black balsamic reduction. Then drizzle olive oil in a thin stream over the top. Finally, sprinkle on salt and pepper.
You need this in your life. Make it today my friends.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 248 calorie, Fat 17 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 35 milligrams, Sodium 167 milligrams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fiber 0.5 grams, Protein 8 grams, Sugar 11 grams

THE BEST CAPRESE SALAD

The Best Caprese Salad image

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

Ingredients

3 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced, or to taste
1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
½ cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

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

Tips:

Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. This is essential for a great caprese salad. Look for tomatoes that are red and juicy, with no blemishes.
Slice the tomatoes evenly. This will help them cook evenly and make the salad more visually appealing.
Use fresh mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella is softer and creamier than aged mozzarella, and it has a milder flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients in the salad.
Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. This will help the cheese absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
Use fresh basil. Basil is the quintessential herb for caprese salad. It adds a bright, peppery flavor that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella perfectly.
Drizzle the salad with high-quality olive oil. Olive oil is essential for dressing caprese salad. Look for an extra virgin olive oil that is fruity and flavorful.
Season the salad with salt and pepper. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Serve the salad immediately. Caprese salad is best served fresh, so make it just before you're ready to eat it.

Conclusion:

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh, flavorful ingredients and beautiful presentation, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give caprese salad a try. You won't be disappointed.