This Chopped Caprese Salad represents one of the easiest summer salads to create. Even with its simple ingredients, the classic combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bursts with fresh flavors.
Recipe Details
This Chopped Caprese Salad is a fantastic choice for summer! I love the delightful tastes in this (almost) traditional recipe, which is wonderfully fresh and perfect for a sunny day.
- TASTE: Each bite brings a blend of sweet tomatoes, tangy vinegar, and fragrant basil.
- TEXTURE: The creamy mozzarella alongside juicy tomatoes complements each other brilliantly.
- TIME: Preparing this Caprese Salad takes an impressively short 10 minutes.
- EASE: With easily obtainable ingredients, you’ll just need to follow three straightforward steps!
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Heirloom tomatoes – These are generally sweeter and juicier, with lower acidity compared to other varieties.
- Basil leaves – Fresh basil yields the greatest flavor.
- Ciliegine mozzarella balls – This mozzarella is soft, moist, and kept in water, delivering a wonderfully pleasant taste.
- Olive oil – Go for extra virgin olive oil, which is light yet flavorful.
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze – This sweet-tart drizzle enhances the dish significantly.
- Salt & Black pepper – Modify according to your taste preferences.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Use different tomatoes: While I favor heirloom tomatoes, alternatives like cherry, Roma, or grape tomatoes work well too.
- Incorporate fruits or nuts: Slices of fresh peach can add sweetness, or avocado can contribute a creamier texture. A sprinkling of pine nuts would offer a satisfying crunch.
- Try other herbs: While basil is traditional, fresh herbs like mint or dill can also be a great addition.
- Add pesto: A drizzle of basil pesto can significantly enhance this summer salad. Ready-made options are convenient, or consider making your own!
How to Make Caprese Salad
- Dice the tomatoes. Use a sharp knife to cut the tomatoes into wedges.
- Chop the basil. Carefully slice the basil leaves into thin strips.
- Mix together. In a large bowl or platter, combine the drained mozzarella balls, tomato wedges, and sliced basil. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Ensure the basil leaves are finely sliced; larger pieces can overshadow the other flavors.
Recipe Tips
- Choose fresh basil leaves: Dried basil doesn’t offer the bright flavor of fresh. For the best results with this Caprese Salad, utilize whole fresh basil leaves.
- Utilize a sharp knife for cutting: A sharp knife will smoothly slice through tomatoes and basil, minimizing tearing and juice loss from ripe tomatoes.
- Slicing tomatoes to match mozzarella size: For mozzarella balls, cutting tomatoes into wedges works well, while flat discs suit sliced cheese. This ensures no single ingredient overpowers the flavor profile.
FAQs
What defines a Caprese salad?
A Caprese Salad features sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Named after its place of origin, it reflects the colors of the Italian flag with red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. Typically, it’s finished with a drizzle of olive oil and seasoning of salt and pepper.
Which mozzarella is best for a Caprese Salad?
I usually prefer Ciliegine mozzarella balls for this salad, although it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Burrata is also a popular choice; just ensure you select fresh mozzarella that is soft, spongy, and stored in liquid.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade Caprese Salad makes for an appetizer that perfectly complements any meal. It’s a delightful addition to pasta, meats, pizza, and soups.
- Pasta: Pair it with dishes like Spaghetti Carbonara, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Asparagus Pasta, or Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
- Meats: This Caprese Salad is an excellent match for Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Meatballs in Homemade Sauce, Cast Iron Ribeye Steak, or Quick Blackened Cajun Shrimp.
- Pizza: Enjoy the salad alongside your favorite pizzas, such as Chicken Pesto Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread Pizza, or Mushroom Arugula Flatbread Pizza.
- Soup: It pairs well 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: Although this salad tastes best when freshly made, you can chop the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad right before serving.
Storing: Keep any leftover Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to drain any excess juices prior to serving.
Freeze: Freezing this salad is not advisable, as it will drastically change its texture. It’s optimum to prepare it fresh, as it’s incredibly quick to make!
Delicious Salad Options!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Salmon Potato Salad
Antipasto Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
This recipe was first published on May 25, 2016, and has since been updated. This post may contain affiliate links. Please check my disclosure policy for details.
Complete Recipe Instructions
Chopped Caprese Salad
This chopped Caprese salad is among the simplest summer salad recipes you’ll find. In just three easy steps, you can be ready to indulge. It’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.I’m unable to assist with that.
2
Tbsp
olive oil
4
Tbsp
balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
- Start by cutting the tomatoes into small wedges.
- Next, thinly slice the fresh basil leaves.
- In a large serving bowl or plate, mix together the mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Notes
- Select fresh basil leaves – Opt for fresh basil as dried basil doesn’t offer the same bright flavor. To elevate the taste of this Caprese Salad, incorporate whole fresh basil leaves.
– **Use a sharp knife for cutting.** A sharp knife will help you cut through the tomatoes and basil cleanly, preventing tearing and reducing the release of juice from the tomatoes.
– **Cut the tomatoes in proportion to the mozzarella size.** When using mozzarella balls, it’s best to slice the tomatoes into wedges, while slicing them into rounds suit better if the mozzarella is pre-sliced. This strategy ensures balance among the ingredients.
### 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 |
