This Chopped Caprese Salad is one of the easiest summer salads to whip up. Even with its minimal complexity, the classic mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil bursts with lively flavors.
Recipe Details
This Chopped Caprese Salad is a fantastic option for summer gatherings! I’m a big fan of the delightful flavors in this (nearly) authentic recipe, which tastes remarkably fresh and appealing, perfect for a sunny day.
- TASTE: Sweet tomatoes, zesty vinegar, and aromatic basil create an explosion of flavors in each bite.
- TEXTURE: The smooth mozzarella paired with succulent tomatoes makes for a delightful pairing.
- TIME: This Caprese Salad comes together in just 10 minutes.
- EASE: The ingredients are readily available and simple to prepare. Just adhere to three basic steps, and you’re good to go!
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Heirloom tomatoes – These tomatoes tend to be sweeter and juicier with lower acidity.
- Basil leaves – Fresh basil offers the best flavor profile.
- Ciliegine mozzarella balls – Soft and moist, this mozzarella variety, kept in water, provides a rich taste.
- Olive oil – Choose extra virgin olive oil for its lightness and flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze – This sweet and tangy addition enhances the dish wonderfully.
- Salt & Black pepper – Adjust based on your taste preferences.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Substitute different tomatoes: While I prefer heirloom, other varieties like cherry, Roma, or grape tomatoes can work well.
- Add fruit or nuts: For a touch of sweetness, consider adding fresh peach slices, or avocado for creaminess. A sprinkle of pine nuts adds a nice crunch as well.
- Substitute other herbs: While basil is traditional, fresh herbs like mint or dill can lend unique flavors.
- Add pesto: A drizzle of basil pesto can greatly enhance this summer salad’s taste. You can easily find store-bought options or try making your own!
How to Make Caprese Salad
- Dice the tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes into wedges with a sharp knife.
- Chop the basil. Slice the basil leaves thinly.
- 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 right away.
Pro Tip: Finely slice the basil leaves to avoid overpowering the other flavors with larger pieces.
Recipe Tips
- Select fresh basil leaves: Dried basil doesn’t offer the same vibrant flavor that fresh provides. For the best outcome, use whole leaves.
- Use a sharp knife for preparation: A sharp knife helps cleanly slice through tomatoes and basil without damaging them, which helps retain juice.
- Match tomato slices to mozzarella size: If you’re using mozzarella balls, cut tomatoes into wedges; for sliced cheese, aim for round discs. This balance ensures no ingredient overshadows the others.
FAQs
What defines a Caprese salad?
A Caprese Salad is characterized by its combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Its name, meaning “salad of Capri,” reflects the Italian colors: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. It’s often topped with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
What type of mozzarella is best for a Caprese Salad?
I usually prefer Ciliegine mozzarella balls for this salad, but it really depends on personal taste. Burrata is another popular choice. As long as you choose fresh mozzarella that is soft and kept in liquid, you’ll be on the right track.
Serving Ideas
This homemade Caprese Salad acts as an appetizer that enhances any meal beautifully. It’s a satisfying addition to pasta, meats, pizza, and soups.
- Pasta: Consider pairing it with Spaghetti Carbonara, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Asparagus Pasta, or Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
- Meats: This Caprese Salad matches perfectly with dishes like Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Meatballs with Homemade Sauce, Cast Iron Ribeye Steak, and Quick Blackened Cajun Shrimp.
- Pizza: Serve this 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 meals like Homemade Chicken Meatball Soup, Tortellini Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, or Chicken Gnocchi Soup inspired by Olive Garden.
Preparing This Recipe Ahead of Time
Make ahead: Though this salad tastes best when freshly made, you can chop the ingredients beforehand and assemble it right before serving.
Storing: Keep any leftover Caprese Salad in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days, ensuring to drain any excess juices before serving.
Freezing: Freezing this salad is not advisable since it will significantly change the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh as it’s quick to prepare!
More Delicious Salad Choices!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Salmon Potato Salad
Antipasto Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
This recipe was originally published on May 25, 2016, and has been updated since. This post may contain affiliate links; please refer to my disclosure policy here.
Complete Recipe Instructions
Chopped Caprese Salad
This chopped Caprese salad is one of the simplest summer salad recipes you can make. Just follow three easy steps, and you’ll be ready to savor it. It’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. based on 1 vote
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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 -
2
Tbsp
olive oil -
4
Tbsp
balsamic vinegar -
salt & pepper to taste
US Customary – Metric
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the tomatoes into small wedges.
- Then, slice the fresh basil leaves finely.
- In a large bowl or plate, mix the mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Notes
- Select fresh basil leaves – Dried basil does not offer the same vibrant flavor as fresh, so to elevate this Caprese Salad, opt for whole fresh basil leaves.
– **Use a sharp knife for cutting.** A sharp knife will smoothly slice through the tomatoes and basil, preventing tearing and minimizing juice release from the tomatoes.
– **Cut the tomatoes to match the mozzarella size.** When using mozzarella balls, it’s best to cut the tomatoes into wedges. If your mozzarella is pre-sliced, then cutting the tomatoes into discs ensures an even mix of flavors.
### 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 |
