This Chopped Caprese Salad is among the simplest summer salads you can make. Despite its straightforward nature, the traditional blend of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is packed with vibrant flavors.
Recipe Details
This Chopped Caprese Salad is an excellent dish for summertime! I appreciate the delicious flavors in this (almost) authentic recipe, which tastes exceptionally fresh and delightful, making it ideal for a warm summer day.
- TASTE: The sweet tomatoes, tangy vinegar, and fresh basil offer a burst of flavors with every bite.
- TEXTURE: The creamy mozzarella combined with juicy tomatoes creates a perfect match.
- TIME: This Caprese Salad is incredibly quick to prepare—just 10 minutes is all that’s needed.
- EASE: The ingredients are simple to find and easy to prepare. Just follow three basic steps and you’re all set!
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Heirloom tomatoes – These are typically sweeter and juicier than other types, with reduced acidity.
- Basil leaves – Fresh basil provides the best flavor.
- Ciliegine mozzarella balls – This type of mozzarella is soft, moist, and stored in water, offering a wonderfully rich taste.
- Olive oil – Opt for extra virgin olive oil, which is both light and flavorful.
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze – This sweet and tangy drizzle elevates the dish beautifully.
- Salt & Black pepper – Adjust according to your preference.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Substitute different tomatoes: While heirloom tomatoes are my favorite, you can also use other varieties like cherry, Roma, or grape tomatoes.
- Add fruit or nuts: For a sweet accent, try integrating slices of fresh peach, or add avocado for a creamier texture. A sprinkle of pine nuts would also provide a satisfying crunch.
- Substitute other herbs: Although basil is the classic choice, you can also experiment with fresh herbs like mint or dill.
- Add pesto: A drizzle of basil pesto can enhance this summer salad significantly. Store-bought options are convenient, or you might consider making your own!
How to Make Caprese Salad
- Dice the tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, cut the tomatoes into wedges.
- Chop the basil. Carefully slice the basil leaves into thin strips.
- Mix together. Combine the drained mozzarella balls, tomato wedges, and sliced basil in a large bowl or platter. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Slice the basil leaves finely; larger cuts can overwhelm the other flavors.
Recipe Tips
- Opt for fresh basil leaves: Dried basil lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh. For the best experience with this Caprese Salad, use whole fresh basil leaves.
- Use a sharp knife for preparation: A sharp knife will effortlessly glide through tomatoes and basil, preventing them from tearing. This technique also helps to minimize juice loss from your ripened tomatoes.
- Slice the tomatoes to match the size of the mozzarella: If you’re using mozzarella balls, consider cutting the tomatoes into wedges; for sliced cheese, flat discs work best. This approach ensures that no single ingredient dominates the flavor.
FAQs
What are the characteristics of a Caprese salad?
A Caprese Salad is defined by sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Its name means “salad of Capri” and it embodies the Italian flag with its vibrant colors: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. Typically, it’s drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
What is the best mozzarella to use in a Caprese Salad?
For this salad, I prefer using Ciliegine mozzarella balls, though personal taste plays a significant role. Burrata is also a well-liked option. As long as you select fresh mozzarella that is soft, spongy, and packed in liquid, you should be set.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade Caprese Salad serves as an appetizer that beautifully complements any meal. It’s a delightful addition to pasta dishes, meats, pizza, and soups.
- Pasta: Consider pairing it with Spaghetti Carbonara, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Asparagus Pasta, or Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
- Meats: This Caprese Salad pairs wonderfully with Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Meatballs in a Homemade Sauce, Cast Iron Ribeye Steak, and Quick Blackened Cajun Shrimp.
- Pizza: Enjoy this salad alongside your pizza favorites, such as Chicken Pesto Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread Pizza, or Mushroom Arugula Flatbread Pizza.
- Soup: Complement the salad with dishes like Homemade Chicken Meatball Soup, Tortellini Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, or Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Inspired by Olive Garden).
Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time
Make ahead: This salad is at its best when freshly prepared, but you can chop the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.
Storing: Store leftover Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Be sure to drain excess juices before serving.
Freeze: Freezing this salad is not recommended, as it will significantly alter the texture. It’s best to make it fresh since it’s incredibly quick to prepare!
Delicious Salad Options!
Caprese Pasta Salad- Salmon Potato Salad
- Antipasto Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad
Salmon Potato Salad
Antipasto Salad
BLT Pasta SaladThis recipe was initially published on May 25, 2016, and has undergone some modifications since then. This post may include affiliate links. Please review my disclosure policy here.
Complete Recipe Instructions
Chopped Caprese Salad
This chopped Caprese salad ranks among the simplest summer salad recipes you’ll encounter. Just three straightforward steps and you’re ready to enjoy. It’s easy to prepare and brimming with flavor.
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Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
Italian
Diet:
Gluten Free
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
Servings:
8
Calories:
107kcal
Ingredients
-
5
heirloom tomatoes -
8
large basil leaves -
8
oz
ciliegine mozzarella balls -
1-2
Tbsp
olive oil -
4
Tbsp
balsamic vinegar -
salt & pepper to taste
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
Cut the tomatoes into small wedges.
Next, slice the fresh basil leaves thinly.
In a large plate or bowl, combine the mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Notes
- Choose fresh basil leaves – Dried basil lacks the vibrant flavor of fresh. To enhance the taste of this Caprese Salad, use whole fresh basil leaves.
– **Utilize a sharp knife for preparation.** Using a sharp knife allows you to cut through the tomatoes and basil smoothly, preventing any tearing. Additionally, this technique helps minimize the release of juice from your fresh tomatoes.
– **Slice the tomatoes to match the size of the mozzarella.** If you’re using mozzarella balls, cutting the tomatoes into wedges is recommended. Conversely, if your mozzarella is sliced, cutting the tomatoes into flat discs works best. This approach ensures that no single ingredient overpowers the others.
### Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|——————-|—————-|
| **Calories:** | 107 kcal |
| **Carbohydrates:**| 4 g |
| **Protein:** | 5 g |
| **Fat:** | 7 g |
| **Saturated Fat:**| 2 g |
| **Cholesterol:** | 10 mg |
| **Sodium:** | 25 mg |
| **Potassium:** | 191 mg |
| **Sugar:** | 3 g |
| **Vitamin A:** | 660 IU |
| **Vitamin C:** | 10.6 mg |
| **Calcium:** | 111 mg |
| **Iron:** | 0.3 mg |
