What Goes Well with Caprese Salad? (A Complete Guide)

Caprese Salad: A Summertime Classic

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for summertime. It is made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, and it is often served with a balsamic vinegar dressing. Caprese salad is light and refreshing, and it is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer.

In this article, we will discuss the history of caprese salad, the different ingredients that are used in it, and how to make it at home. We will also provide some tips for serving caprese salad and suggest some other dishes that go well with it.

So if you are looking for a delicious and refreshing summer salad, be sure to give caprese salad a try!

Ingredient	Description	Pairing
Tomatoes	Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the star of the Caprese salad.	Cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes
Mozzarella	Fresh mozzarella cheese is the traditional cheese for Caprese salad.	Bocconcini, fresh mozzarella, burrata
Basil	Fresh basil leaves add a bright, herbal flavor to Caprese salad.	Genovese basil, Thai basil, lemon basil
Olive oil	A drizzle of olive oil helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in Caprese salad.	Extra virgin olive oil, infused olive oil
Balsamic vinegar	A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, acidic note to Caprese salad.	White balsamic vinegar, aged balsamic vinegar

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious salad that is made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. It is a classic Italian salad that is perfect for summer. Caprese salad is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add different herbs, nuts, fruits, or vegetables to the salad to make it your own.

Main Ingredients of Caprese Salad

The main ingredients of caprese salad are tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

• Tomatoes are the star of the show in caprese salad. They should be ripe and juicy. You can use any type of tomato, but heirloom tomatoes are a good choice because they have a lot of flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese is a soft, white cheese that is made from milk. It is the perfect complement to the tomatoes in caprese salad. You can use either fresh mozzarella or mozzarella cheese balls.
• Basil is a fresh herb that adds a bright, flavorful taste to caprese salad. You can use either fresh basil leaves or dried basil.
• Olive oil is a healthy fat that helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in caprese salad. You can use either extra virgin olive oil or olive oil.
• Balsamic vinegar is a dark, vinegary liquid that adds a tangy flavor to caprese salad. You can use either balsamic vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.

Additional Ingredients that Can Be Added to Caprese Salad

In addition to the main ingredients, you can add a variety of other ingredients to caprese salad to make it your own. Some popular additions include:

• Fresh herbs such as basil, mint, or parsley
• Nuts such as pine nuts or walnuts
• Fruits such as peaches, nectarines, or berries
• Vegetables such as cucumbers, red onions, or peppers

You can also add other dressings to caprese salad, such as a simple vinaigrette or a pesto sauce.

Caprese salad is a delicious and versatile salad that is perfect for summer. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add different herbs, nuts, fruits, or vegetables to the salad to make it your own. Caprese salad is a great way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients.

2. What Goes Good With Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious summer salad made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. It’s the perfect light and refreshing meal for a hot day. But what if you want to add a little something extra to your Caprese salad? Here are some ideas for what to serve with Caprese salad:

• Bread. Grilled bread or crostini is a classic accompaniment to Caprese salad. The bread soaks up the flavorful juices from the tomatoes and cheese, and it adds a nice crunch to the dish.
• Arugula or mixed greens. A bed of arugula or mixed greens adds some color and texture to Caprese salad. The peppery arugula pairs well with the sweet tomatoes and creamy cheese.
• Olives. Olives add a salty and briny flavor to Caprese salad. They also add a nice visual contrast to the red tomatoes and green basil.
• Avocado. Avocado is a creamy and nutritious addition to Caprese salad. It also adds a nice richness to the dish.
• Balsamic vinegar. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tart and tangy flavor to Caprese salad. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Fresh herbs. Chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or mint, add a fresh and flavorful touch to Caprese salad.

3. Dressings for Caprese Salad

The classic Caprese salad is typically served without any dressing. However, if you like, you can add a simple vinaigrette or another type of dressing to your Caprese salad. Here are a few ideas for dressings that would go well with Caprese salad:

• Simple vinaigrette: This is a basic vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper.
• Balsamic reduction: Balsamic vinegar is reduced over low heat until it is thick and syrupy. This makes a delicious and flavorful dressing for Caprese salad.
• Honey-lemon dressing: This dressing is made with honey, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. It is sweet, tangy, and creamy.
• Herbed oil: This dressing is made with olive oil, fresh herbs, and salt and pepper. It is light and flavorful.

4. Serving Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for how to serve Caprese salad:

• On a bed of arugula or mixed greens: This is the classic way to serve Caprese salad. The greens add some color and texture to the dish.
• With grilled bread or crostini: Grilled bread or crostini is a delicious way to serve Caprese salad. The bread soaks up the flavorful juices from the tomatoes and cheese.
• As part of a charcuterie board: Caprese salad is a great addition to a charcuterie board. The cheese, tomatoes, and bread make a delicious and satisfying snack.
• As a main course or side dish: Caprese salad can be served as a main course or side dish. It is a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for a summer day.

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious summer salad that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. There are many different ways to enjoy Caprese salad, so you can find the perfect way to serve it for your next gathering.

What Goes Good With Caprese Salad?

• Fresh mozzarella cheese is the star of the show, so make sure to use a high-quality, fresh mozzarella.
• Basil is another essential ingredient, and you should use fresh basil if possible.
• Tomatoes should be ripe and flavorful.
• Olive oil adds a delicious richness to the salad.
• Balsamic vinegar provides a tart and tangy flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Here are some additional ideas for ingredients that can be added to caprese salad:

• Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch.
• Red onion adds a bit of sweetness and acidity.
• Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor.
• Prosciutto adds a salty, cured meat flavor.
• Croutons add a crunchy texture.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables add a smoky flavor.

How to Make Caprese Salad

To make caprese salad, you will need:

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Tips for Making Caprese Salad

• Use the freshest ingredients possible.
• Make sure the tomatoes are ripe and flavorful.
• Use good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately or chill for later.

Variations on Caprese Salad

There are many different variations on caprese salad. Here are a few ideas:

• Add avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Add cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
• Add red onion for a bit of sweetness and acidity.
• Add feta cheese for a salty, tangy flavor.
• Add prosciutto for a salty, cured meat flavor.
• Croutons add a crunchy texture.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables add a smoky flavor.

Caprese salad is a simple but delicious salad that is perfect for summer. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a caprese salad that everyone will enjoy.

Caprese salad is a simple yet delicious summer salad made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. It’s the perfect light and refreshing meal for a hot day, and it’s also very easy to make.

When it comes to choosing what goes well with caprese salad, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the flavors of the salad are complementary. For example, the sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the cheese go well together, and the basil adds a fresh, herbal flavor.

Second, you want to make sure that the textures of the salad are varied. The creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy basil provide a nice contrast of textures that make the salad more interesting to eat.

Finally, you want to make sure that the overall appearance of the salad is appealing. Arrange the ingredients on a platter or in a bowl so that they look inviting.

Here are some specific ideas for what to serve with caprese salad:

• Bread: A slice of crusty bread is a classic accompaniment to caprese salad. The bread soaks up the flavorful dressing and provides a nice contrast to the fresh vegetables.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or eggplant, add a smoky flavor and a touch of heat to caprese salad.
• Protein: A grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu can be added to caprese salad for a more substantial meal.
• Wine: A crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is the perfect pairing for caprese salad. The wine’s acidity helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and tomatoes, and its fruity flavors complement the basil.

With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect combination of ingredients to enjoy with your caprese salad. So next time you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing summer meal, don’t forget about caprese salad!