Seven Caprese Salad Ideas

This blog is no stranger to caprese salad and caprese sandwiches. In fact, I have some strong opinions on how to make and serve the caprese, because we have experienced one way in Italy twenty years ago and then have been too often disappointed in restaurants. These seven caprese salad ideas will make your summer cooking easy and tasty.

There is a good reason to be picky because the caprese must be made with fresh mozzarella and the freshest tomatoes. This is truly a summer dish; however, in the off season, grape tomatoes like wild wonders will work fine.

Prosciutto Caprese Party Sandwich with Pesto

Prosciutto Caprese Party Sandwich with Pesto is a total crowd pleaser.

Caprese Salad with Pepperoni

This sandwich toasts the bread and mozzarella and tops it with pepperoni.

What is a Caprese Salad?

This idea of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil comes from the island of Capri, this simple dish is referred to as insalta caprese.

It presents the colors of Italy, and must have good extra virgin olive oil and salt. Adding a drizzle of balsamic is not typical, but if your tomatoes aren’t sweet enough, a small drizzle of GOOD balsamic (syrupy) can help.

Red – Tomatoes
White – Mozzarella
Green – Basil

There are several myths as to its origin, one as a patriotic sandwich, one from a hotel, and one simply as a smart, peasant combination of ingredients. What is actually true is its popularity here in Italy and here in the States. The best we ever ate in a restaurant was during our first trip to Italy. I got the salad and my husband got the sandwich. To this day, he talks about that sandwich. Why? Because simple recipes must be made with the best of ingredients and balanced just right.

These are the actual pictures of our lunch in Chianti, Tuscany, at a very casual cafe. I like that they added some olives in and used buffalo mozzarella.

Lettuce Wrap Caprese Salad

Lettuce wrap caprese salad has no formal recipe. It’s an idea. After enjoying a large Sunday brunch, we only wanted and needed a very small dinner. Thus, the caprese lettuce wraps were born.

Summer Caprese Salad with Fresch Corn

Summer Caprese Salad with a southern twist. Here’s a twist on caprese salad, adding in fresh corn and using pesto. You could just use torn basil leaves.

Creamy Burrata and Heirloom Tomatoes

Burrata with summer tomatoes over arugula is a dream dish. Don’t forget to use lots of fresh basil, and if you have homemade sourdough bread, you have dinner.

As you can see, there are many versions of caprese salad, and you might have a few of your own. Let me know in the comments.

Caprese Skewers

These caprese skewers make serving at parties easy, and everyone loves them. Check out the cute toothpicks.

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Tips for Caprese Salad

Only use ripe tomatoes at room temperature. (Do not refrigerate tomatoes unless already cut).
Take mozzarella or burrata out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving. Cold mozzarella has no taste when cold.
Use a good extra virgin olive oil. Simple recipes need good ingredients.
If you don’t have a nice syrupy vinegar, skip this.
Top with fresh basil or Italian herbs and don’t forget the salt and pepper.
Do add in some olives or cucumbers for a twist.
Avoid raw onion (in my opinion, this ruins the salad.)