Pesto Caprese Salad

Name: Pesto Caprese Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 1 ½ cups cucumber (peeled and cut in half moons); ½ cup red onion (diced); 1 avocado; 1 cup small mozzarella balls; ½ cup pesto; Fresh ground sea salt and pepper to taste

This easy, fresh, clean pesto caprese salad gives you that taste of summer any time of the year. In the summer I use fresh tomatoes from my garden which make it all the more mouthwatering.

chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, onion, crumbled feta cheese, and basil in a white bowl tossed in pesto sauce

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Diced cucumber, red onion, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, avocados, and basil in a pesto sauce in a white bowl

Crisp, Raw Pesto Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is one of my favorite easy dishes to make in the summertime and it always impresses company with its simple elegant flavor. I love to add pesto to caprese salad since it helps everything stay coated with the basil flavor.

Caprese salad originated from the Italian island of Capri. It’s traditionally fresh sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh sliced mozzarella topped with vinegar and olive oil. I love traditional caprese but cutting things up and mixing in pesto makes it easier to get a bit of all the goodness in one bite. Plus we add in some other fresh veggies to make it even healthier and more flavorsome.

How to Make Pesto Caprese Salad

First assemble the following ingredients:

Cherry tomatoes – you can use red or yellow cherry tomatoes or a mixture of both. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes just cut up any size tomato into cherry size pieces. Tomatoes add a sweetness and acidity so fresh is best.
Cucumbers – these are not a traditional “caprese salad” ingredient but they add a nice fresh clean taste to the salad. Make sure you peel them before you cut them into half moons.
Red Onion – red onions have a sharp flavor, if you want to tame them you can soak them in cold water after you cut them up then strain them before adding them to the salad.
Avocado – avocado adds a creamy texture to the pesto caprese salad. If you don’t like avocado you can leave it out or mash it up with the pesto.
Mozzarella balls – fresh mozzarella is really important for this recipe, typically you will find it in a brine water which is as fresh as it comes without making it yourself.
Pesto – pesto is a mixture of fresh basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. We want all that flavor in this caprese salad in place of the traditional basil.
Sea Salt and Pepper – use high quality sea salt and fresh pepper. You need salt to lift the flavor of the other ingredients and pepper to add that spice hit.

sliced cucumbers in a bowl next to a bow of diced onions, a bowl of cherry tomatoes, a bowl of crumbled feta, a bowl of pesto, and an avocado on a table

chopped vegetables and crumbled feta in a glass bowl

a hand pouring pest o sauce over chopped vegetables in a bowl

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:

Step 1 – Add all the ingredients to a bowl and toss them in the pesto to coat everything thoroughly.
Step 2 – Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to your taste. You can garnish with fresh basil if you want.
Step 3 – Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Pest Caprese Salad:

Make this an entree with chickpeas: If you want to eat this salad as a protein packed entree instead of a side you can simply add cooked chickpeas or any cooked protein.

Spice it up: If you want to make it spicy you can add red pepper flakes. If you want to add more acid you can squeeze some lemon on it.

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your Pesto Caprese salad heavily depends on the freshness of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh, soft mozzarella for the best taste and texture.

Homemade Pesto: If possible, make your own pesto sauce. Fresh homemade pesto made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil can elevate the dish significantly.

Drain the Mozzarella: If using mozzarella balls from brine, let them drain before slicing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Season Well: Don’t forget to season the tomatoes and mozzarella with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Quality Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a fruity, peppery dimension to the salad that complements the pesto.

Layer for Presentation: Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella, and then drizzle with pesto for an appealing and traditional Caprese presentation.

Acidity Balance: A splash of balsamic vinegar or reduction can add a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy mozzarella and herby pesto.

Let it Marinate: For an even more flavorful salad, let the tomatoes marinate in a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasoning for a few minutes before assembling.

Serving Temperature: Serve the salad at room temperature to ensure the mozzarella is soft and the tomatoes are at their most flavorful.

Garnish with Fresh Basil: Add whole or torn fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and fresh aroma.

Toast the Pine Nuts: If making your own pesto, lightly toast the pine nuts to bring out their nutty flavor.

Variety of Tomatoes: For a visually stunning salad, use a variety of tomato colors and sizes, such as heirloom, cherry, or yellow tomatoes.

FAQ’s:

This will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you aren’t planning to eat it right away you can combine the ingredients except the pesto and refrigerate them and add the pesto just before serving.

Mozzarella is the preferred cheese for a caprese salad but if it’s not your preferred cheese you can substitute feta or a soft goat or cow cheese such as Boursin.

What to serve with Pesto Caprese Salad?

Crusty Bread or Baguette: Perfect for scooping up the pesto and juicy tomato, adding a satisfying crunch to the soft textures of the salad. Try making focaccia!

Grilled Chicken or Fish: A simple grilled chicken breast or a piece of fish like salmon can complement the freshness of the salad without overpowering it.

Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside a light pasta, such as angel hair or spaghetti aglio e olio, to turn the salad into a more substantial meal.

Quinoa or Couscous: A fluffy side of quinoa or couscous can absorb the pesto’s flavors, making for a hearty pairing.

White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of the salad.

Sparkling Water: Flavored or plain, sparkling water provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Fruit Salad: A simple, fresh fruit salad can complement the savory and herbaceous notes of the salad with a sweet contrast.

Bruschetta: Tomato and basil bruschetta on toasted slices offers a crunchy, flavorful addition that echoes the Caprese’s key ingredients.

Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can enhance the meal’s overall flavor profile.

Italian Meats: Thin slices of prosciutto or salami can add a salty, savory depth to the light and fresh salad.

Sparkling Lemonade: A glass of cold, bubbly lemonade can refresh the palate and complement the basil’s pungency and the tomato’s acidity.

Minestrone Soup: A bowl of Minestrone soup, with its rich tomato base and variety of vegetables, can make for a comforting and cohesive meal.

Try these recipes next: Creamy Avocado Cashew Pesto, Easy Vegan Pesto, Pesto Stuffed Burrata, Garden Vegetable Greek Salad, and Greek Chicken Souvlaki.

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