29 New and Traditional Caprese Salad Recipes

Caprese salad is a masterclass in simplicity. Basil, mozzarella and ripe tomatoes are the star ingredients in these Caprese salad recipes that go beyond the usual three-ingredient dish.

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On the island of Capri, just off the coast of Italy, rugged landscapes, natural beauty and homemade limoncello have invited luxurious tourism for decades. It was here that the legendary Caprese salad originated. It is believed to have been created as a nod to the Italian flag for visiting royalty and politicians, much like the legend of the Margherita pizza being created for Queen Margherita.

The best Caprese salad starts with good-quality basil, tomatoes and mozzarella, tossed together and served with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. While you can stop there for the perfect Caprese salad, there’s room for many more ingredients and interpretations.

We rounded up our best Caprese salad recipes where tomatoes, mozzarella and basil reign supreme, plus some recipes that reimagine the classic. From Caprese pizzas to skewers, tarts and even burgers, there are so many ways to enjoy the classic Caprese in a new and exciting way. Like all Italian recipes, find the best ingredients for the most authentic flavor.

1/29

Caprese Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 256 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
2/29

Caprese Pasta Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 7 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When fresh tomatoes and basil are abundant in the summer, I like to make this wonderful Caprese macaroni salad. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 397 calories, 31g fat (8g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
3/29

Full Garden Frittata

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 wedges: 227 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 375mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
4/29

Caprese Sandwich

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These fresh caprese sandwiches would be perfect for a picnic or summer lunch. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves are truly a match made in heaven—only to be made better by a baguette, olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 495 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
5/29

Caprese Skewers

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator: Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.
6/29

Open-Faced Chicken Avocado Burgers

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings plus 1/4 cup leftover spread
From the Recipe Creator: To dress up each chicken avocado burger, spread the Italian bread with creamy mayo and top with thick slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato. Serve with buttered boiled potatoes or a salad. —Lisa Hundley, Aberdeen, North Carolina.
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 723 calories, 55g fat (17g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
7/29

Chicken Caprese

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 525 calories, 34 g fat (11g saturated fat), 139 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 45 g protein.
8/29

Red, White and Blue Summer Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In this dish, I combine traditional Caprese salad flavors with summer peaches and blueberries. I also add prosciutto for saltiness, creating a balanced, flavor-packed side dish. —Emily Falke, Santa Barbara, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 233 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
9/29

Grilled Caprese Quesadillas

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 quesadilla: 535 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein.
10/29

Chicken Salad Caprese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 cups salad (6-1/2 dozen crostini)
From the Recipe Creator: This unique, flavorful salad and bread combo will get rave reviews—guaranteed. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 179 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
11/29

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 32 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This colorful antipasto salad is a tasty crowd-pleaser. Guests love the homemade dressing, which is a nice change from bottled Italian. — Linda Harrington, Windham, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 396 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
12/29

Peach Mango Caprese Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Summer in the Midwest offers a bounty of fresh produce. I wanted to come up with a new recipe for the harvested goods, and this bright, flavorful salad is the refreshing end result. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 248 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
13/29

Eggplant Parmesan

Total Time 55 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We really like eggplant and would rather have it baked than fried. This can be served as a side or a main dish. —Donna Wardlow-Keating, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 275 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
14/29

Artichoke Caprese Platter

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 192 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
15/29

Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 2 eggplant stacks: 449 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
16/29

Burrata Caprese Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Creamy burrata cheese and ripe tomatoes are a match made in heaven. This is a perfect appetizer for the summer months when tomatoes and basil are in season. Serve by itself or with crostini. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 131 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/29

Tomato Baguette Pizza

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 260 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
18/29

South-of-the-Border Caprese Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings (1 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator: Plump heirloom tomatoes highlight this garden-fresh showpiece, drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing and sprinkled with cheese. It's perfect for an outdoor party and so easy to make! —Kathleen Merkley, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 168 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
19/29

Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 467 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
20/29

Panzanella Pasta

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator: We take classic panzanella ingredients like ripe tomatoes, peppers and olives and toss them with hot noodles for a hearty pasta dish. My kids especially like the crunchy croutons. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 297 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
21/29

Bruschetta Chicken Wraps

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As an Italian-American, I love, love, love garlic, tomatoes and basil, all of which are musts for good bruschetta. This recipe was created in celebration of the first tomatoes to come out of our home garden this year. —Gina Rine, Canfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap: 330 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
22/29

Peach Caprese Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When you have beautiful, juicy summer produce, you want to let it shine.This refreshing peach Caprese salad is made with sweet peaches, juicy ripe tomatoes, earthy basil and buttery mozzarella with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky salt for the ultimate seasonal side. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 286 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
23/29

Insalata Caprese

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A classic Caprese salad has colors that resemble the Italian flag. For extra zing, I add a splash of balsamic vinegar. —Melba Wilson, Murrells Inlet, SC
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 160 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
24/29

Marinated Mozzarella & Tomato Appetizers

Total Time 20 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant, this simply sensational combination should marinate for at least three hours—the longer the better. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 119 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
25/29

Basil Tomato Tart

Total Time 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I received this recipe from a good friend. It's a great way to use up fresh tomatoes from the garden, and it tastes a lot like pizza. —Connie Stumpf, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 345 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
26/29

Appetizer Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Use a slotted spoon to serve this as an appetizer with baguette toasts, or ladle it over romaine lettuce to enjoy as a salad. —Tamra Duncan, Decatur, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 132 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
27/29

Vegetable & Cheese Focaccia

Total Time 50 min
Servings 15 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes! —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 151 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
28/29

Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Stuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies – or in this case, orzo. — Jenni Dise, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 392 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
29/29

Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These mushrooms are rich and creamy and bright at the same time because of the fresh herbs and tomato. I especially like to serve them with grilled asparagus. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed mushroom: 201 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.

Caprese Salad FAQs

What are the ingredients in a Caprese salad?

A traditional Caprese salad consists of basil, mozzarella and tomato. Sometimes, salt is added to the top as a finishing ingredient.

What kind of dressing goes on a Caprese salad?

Caprese salad is dressed with good-quality balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil. Many cooks will use balsamic glaze instead of vinaigrette for a tangier flavor.

What else can you put in a Caprese salad?

Fresh fruit, such as berries and stone fruits, is excellent in Caprese salad for its refreshing sweetness. To make it a full salad, toss the Caprese salad with arugula and add grilled chicken or tuna for a little more protein.