• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Pretty Bee
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Sort By Allergen
    • View all recipes
  • cookbooks
    • Quick Start Bundle.
  • contact
  • subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Start Here
  • View All Recipes
  • Sort By Allergen
  • Cookbooks
  • Contact
×

Home » Salad » Easy Caprese Salad.

Easy Caprese Salad.

May 12, 2019 · Modified: May 26, 2019 by Kelly Roenicke · 14 Comments

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
An easy caprese salad recipe - this is the perfect summer salad!

This recipe for easy caprese salad is just wonderful for summer! Fresh tomatoes, basil, and soft mozzarella – this is a great salad for a barbecue or picnic. 

caprese salad in a green bowl

This is one of my favorite summer recipes – easy caprese salad.  Simple and elegant, and so easy to put together. This is just the thing to make when you’re short on time, but want to make a dish that everyone will love.

I had this for the first time in Lucca, Italy when I was in grad school, and I will say that fresh Italian tomatoes and cheese take this dish to a different level.  But until I get back there, I’ll make caprese salad with local ingredients – it’s still summery and delicious.

If you can’t find the mini buffalo mozzarella rounds, it’s fine to get a large ball of mozzarella and cut it into chunks. If you can’t find the soft, fresh, mozzarella, you can make a variation of this with regular mozzarella cut into cubes. But it isn’t quite the same. Fresh mozzarella is pretty easy to find – you can usually get it from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods, and once in a while Costco will carry it.

What is caprese salad?

It’s a salad that originated in Italy, and consists of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and olive oil.

Is caprese salad gluten free?

Yes, since this salad only contains tomatoes, basil, cheese, and olive oil, it is gluten free and grain free.

Is balsamic vinegar gluten free?

Yes, balsamic vinegar is gluten free. You can read more about gluten free vinegar here.

How long can you keep caprese salad in the refrigerator?

Caprese salad should last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best when it’s fresh.

What can I use instead of dairy cheese in this salad?

If you can’t have dairy, you could try this salad with your favorite non-dairy cheese, or just add more vegetables, like cucumbers, peppers, or zucchini. This would also be very pretty with a variety of heirloom tomatoes in different colors.

Tips for making this easy caprese salad:

  • assemble the salad immediately before serving
  • get the freshest cheese that’s available
  • use local tomatoes if possible
  • cracked pepper and sea salt are a must!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

A classic summer salad - tomato and mozzarella caprese salad. Gluten Free.
5 from 1 vote
Print

Summer Favorites: Caprese Salad

There's nothing like fresh tomatoes, cheese, and basil - this simple combination is what makes caprese salad so delicious!

Course Salad
Cuisine gluten free, Italian, Vegetarian
Keyword caprese salad, gluten free summer salads
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 212 kcal
Author Kelly Roenicke

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces grape tomatoes
  • 8 ounces buffalo mozzarella You can get the small balls, or if you get the large piece, just cut it into small pieces.
  • â…“ cup fresh basil
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • balsamic vinegar optional
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. Wash tomatoes and basil, pat dry. Put in a large salad bowl. Slice in half if desired.
  2. Drain liquid from cheese and place in bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.

  3. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Caprese salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, it is best when it is fresh.

You can't freeze this salad.

If you can't have dairy, you could try this salad with your favorite non-dairy cheese, or you could add some more veggies, like cucumber, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.

Nutrition Facts
Summer Favorites: Caprese Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
212
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
17
g
26
%
Saturated Fat
 
8
g
50
%
Cholesterol
 
43
mg
14
%
Sodium
 
234
mg
10
%
Potassium
 
171
mg
5
%
Carbohydrates
 
3
g
1
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
 
2250
IU
45
%
Vitamin C
 
8.2
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
1274
mg
127
%
Iron
 
0.5
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Serving suggestion: Sometimes we make little kabobs on skewers, too – we just layer cheese, tomatoes, and basil, and drizzle with the vinegar and olive oil. It’s a fun way to serve this salad, and nice for a party!

And if you’re on a gluten free diet, this is a nice salad that everyone can enjoy, because you’ll never miss the gluten!

This post was originally published in May 2011. It has been updated.

fresh caprese salad in a green and white bowl

Enjoy!

Related

« Homemade Paleo BBQ Sauce.
Cookies and Cream Mini Ice Cream Pies. »

Filed Under: food, Gluten Free, Nut Free, Recipes, Salad, Side Dish Tagged With: 30 minutes or less, easy recipe, Fish Free, Garlic Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Legume Free, Mustard Free, Onion Free, Peanut Free, Sesame Free, Shellfish Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free, Tree Nut Free

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Kelly Roenicke
Kelly Roenicke
Mom to two boys with food allergies and sensitivities, Kelly is passionate about allergy friendly cooking and baking. She believes that you can enjoy amazing, easy recipes even when cooking for multiple food allergies.
Kelly Roenicke
Latest posts by Kelly Roenicke (see all)
  • Delicious Vegan Banana Waffles. - March 18, 2023
  • 25 Delectable Egg Free Desserts Your Family Will Love. - March 2, 2023
  • Gluten Free Apple Muffins (Vegan, Nut Free). - February 28, 2023

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claire Bear

    September 01, 2018 at 10:35 am

    5 stars
    how much basil would you recommend putting in the salad? Thanks! I’m totally making this for our friends when they’re in town!!!

    Reply
  2. Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming

    May 16, 2011 at 1:35 am

    Kelly – This looks simply amazing and perfect for the summer! Thanks for sharing – Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
    ~Stephanie Lynn
    http://www.bystephanielynn.com

    Reply
  3. BigBearswife

    May 15, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    this Caprese Salad looks so fresh and wondeful! yum

    Reply
  4. Lisa Ridgely

    May 15, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    My favorite! I eat constantly for lunch in the summer, and never get tired of it!

    Reply
  5. OhioMomPatriot

    May 15, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Quick, tasty, no cook! Perfect! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted

    May 14, 2011 at 1:49 am

    This is me and the hubby’s favorite summer salad as well! We just had one the other night but we usually slice big tomatos. I’ll have to try it with the cherry ones. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  7. Heather at Dragonfly Designs

    May 14, 2011 at 12:11 am

    Ah YUM!!! Looks delish! Thanks for sharing ~ please come by and say hi sometime!

    Reply
  8. Love Sweet Love

    May 13, 2011 at 11:51 pm

    Oh my goodness, that looks SO good! I’m not crazy about cooking during the summer, but this is definitely something I could do! Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog!
    -Angela

    Reply
  9. elizabeth

    May 13, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    That looks so yummy!

    Reply
  10. Happybee

    May 13, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    Hi! I’m in italy and you’re right…this is really quick and easy and delicious for summer! we eat it sooo often!!!

    Reply
  11. Shelley (EvenAndy)

    May 12, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    That salad looks tasty! Now I want a salad for lunch:)

    Reply
  12. Kel

    May 12, 2011 at 10:05 am

    oh man, now I want some cheese!!! YUM

    Reply
  13. Meeling

    May 12, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Yum! I love your photo…the bowl is great!!

    We were in Italy last year and there is something so true about Italian tomatoes…there is no comparison, but like you, until we get back there (hopefully sooner than later) I love using farmers market finds…usually the best local flavors.

    Reply
  14. Clare B

    May 12, 2011 at 8:27 am

    This is one of my favourite salads too – perfect with a big chunk of crusty bread (well, for the gluten lovers anyway)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

kelly roenicke portrait

Hi! I'm Kelly, and I believe that you can enjoy amazing, easy recipes even when cooking for multiple food allergies.

Learn more →

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Find the perfect recipe

Filter all recipes by allergen

Search & Sort Recipes by Allergen

Footer

↑ back to top

Browse my allergy friendly cookbooks.

Why, yes, I DO have a print cookbook!

Allergy Friendly Chocolate Cake Your Family Will Love

best dairy free gluten free chocolate cake recipe

Copyright © 2022 The Pretty Bee | Disclosure | Privacy Policy