Capri Salad Recipe
Imagine yourself strolling along the picturesque streets of Capri, with the sparkling azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea as your backdrop. This is the inspiration behind the Capri Salad, a refreshing and flavorful dish that transports your taste buds to the heart of the Italian Riviera.
Bursting with the essence of the Mediterranean, this salad combines the crisp, juicy goodness of fresh tomatoes, the creamy richness of mozzarella, and the bold, herbaceous notes of basil. It’s a symphony of flavors that perfectly encapsulates the sun-drenched beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
The Capri Salad is a perennial crowd-pleaser, beloved for its simplicity, versatility, and undeniable deliciousness. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates a textural contrast that delights the senses. Whether you’re serving it as a light and refreshing starter, a satisfying main course, or a flavorful side dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
What’s more, the Capri Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. With minimal hands-on time and the ability to be made ahead, this recipe is a true kitchen lifesaver. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Capri Salad ❓
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
The beauty of this Capri Salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made Capri-style salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Capri Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Cut the mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes.
• Step 3: Chop the fresh basil leaves and set aside.
• Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine the tomato wedges, mozzarella cubes, and chopped basil.
• Step 5: Drizzle the salad with the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Step 6: Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients.
• Step 7: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian salads that can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this Capri Salad saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 522mg
These Capri Salad recipes provide approximately 20% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 15% of your daily calcium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the balsamic vinegar for a red wine vinegar or lemon juice to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative or creamy avocado slices.
• Added protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or toasted nuts for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sliced cucumbers, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots for additional crunch and nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Capri Salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair it with crusty Italian bread or garlic-rubbed crostini for a complete meal.
• Complement the salad with a simple green salad or a bowl of minestrone soup for a more substantial lunch or dinner.
• For a Mediterranean-inspired gathering, serve the Capri Salad as part of a larger spread with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and a selection of Italian cheeses and olives.
• Create a stunning appetizer platter by arranging the Capri Salad alongside sliced prosciutto, marinated artichokes, and kalamata olives.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Excessive Dressing: Be mindful of the amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar used, as too much can make the salad feel heavy and drown out the fresh flavors.
• Overchopping Basil: Chop the basil leaves just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and aroma. Cutting them too far in advance can cause them to brown and wilt.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: While not strictly necessary, allowing the salad to chill for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and the textures to meld together for an even more enjoyable experience.
• Forgetting the Salt and Pepper: The simple seasoning of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is essential to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and complement the creamy mozzarella.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Capri Salad recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: The individual components (tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) can be prepped and stored separately in the freezer for up to 2 months. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
• Freezing baked: While the Capri Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled and dressed salad for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If the salad has been refrigerated or frozen, simply toss it gently to redistribute the dressing and allow the ingredients to come to room temperature before serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I make Capri Salad in advance?
Absolutely! The Capri Salad can be assembled up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For best results, wait to dress the salad with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until just before serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soggy.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes, you can use a variety of cheese options in this recipe. Some good alternatives include burrata, fresh ricotta, or even shredded provolone or Parmesan. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose.
Is Capri Salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Capri Salad is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. This makes it an excellent option for those following a gluten-free diet or looking to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
In a pinch, you can substitute the fresh basil with 2 teaspoons of dried basil or 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano or thyme. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the salad will still be delicious.
Can I add additional vegetables to the Capri Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding sliced cucumbers, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots. Just be sure not to overload the salad, as you want the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to remain the star ingredients.
Conclusion
These Capri Salad recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light and refreshing starter or a satisfying main course, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, creamy textures, and bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Capri-style salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, why not transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Italian Riviera and treat yourself to the delicious delights of this timeless recipe?
Print
Capri Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 6 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
• Step 1: Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges, discarding the stem ends.
• Step 2: Cut the mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes.
• Step 3: Chop the fresh basil leaves and set aside.
• Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine the tomato wedges, mozzarella cubes, and chopped basil.
• Step 5: Drizzle the salad with the extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Step 6: Gently toss the salad to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients.
• Step 7: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Capri Salad Recipe
