21 Caprese Recipes in Three Steps or Less

By

Published on July 31, 2023

a recipe photo of the Caprese Salad with Basil & Tarragon Chimichurri served on a plate — Photo: Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

The fresh flavors of mozzarella, tomato and basil fill this collection of caprese-inspired recipes. Whether stuffed into mushrooms and sandwiches or stirred within a hearty salad, you'll find a deliciously simple dish here that you can make in three steps or less. Recipes like our Caprese Salad with Basil & Tarragon Chimichurri and Roasted Salmon Caprese are flavorful and nourishing.

01 of 21

Cauliflower Gnocchi Caprese

This super-easy dish is perfect for summer. Store-bought frozen cauliflower gnocchi are crisped up in a pan, then tossed with mozzarella cheese, plenty of basil and balsamic vinegar for a hearty and healthy spin on the classic caprese salad.

02 of 21

Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

We've taken the key ingredients of the popular Caprese salad—tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil—and piled them into portobello mushroom caps to make a delicious and satisfying vegetarian main dish.

03 of 21

Caprese Salad with Basil & Tarragon Chimichurri

a recipe photo of the Caprese Salad with Basil & Tarragon Chimichurri served on a plate — Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

This is a caprese salad like you've never had before! Chimichurri with lime zest and juice, capers, serrano and tarragon adds new flavors to the classic ingredients of ripe tomatoes, basil and creamy mozzarella. Ripe green tomatoes offer a striking green hue, but any fresh ripe tomato will work well.

04 of 21

Caprese Sandwich

Caprese Sandwich — Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely

This caprese sandwich is fresh from the basil and hearty from thick, crusty ciabatta. The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor. Topping the bread with a layer of basil leaves and using toasted bread helps to keep the sandwich from getting soggy if you need to make it a few hours ahead.

05 of 21

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes — Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

The basil dressing packs a punch in this caprese salad with cherry tomatoes. Dark balsamic vinegar is traditional, but to make the color pop, white balsamic vinegar can be used in its place.

06 of 21

Caprese Avocado Toast

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—the building blocks of caprese salad--lend a creative twist to a standard avocado toast recipe.

07 of 21

Grilled Caprese Chicken

Grilled Caprese Chicken — Jason Donnelly

The topping of this caprese-like chicken gets nice and melty on the grill. While you're there, crisp up some crusty bread to serve alongside. It's great for soaking up all the flavorful juices left on your plate.

08 of 21

Roasted Salmon Caprese

roast salmon with tomatoes and mozzarella on a white plate pictured on a blue background

This oven-ready recipe is snap to prep. Salmon fillets and cherry tomatoes roast side by side on one pan, then are drizzled with balsamic glaze to pull it all together.

09 of 21

Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad

Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad

Use the Hasselback technique to change up your caprese salad with this fun twist! Cutting partially into the whole tomato creates openings to layer in fresh mozzarella cheese, basil and a balsamic drizzle for tons of flavor in this unique vegetable side dish recipe.

10 of 21

Avocado Caprese Salad

Avocado Caprese Salad — Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely

This avocado caprese salad has all the flavors of a classic caprese salad with the addition of creamy avocado. The sweet and tangy balsamic dressing pulls everything together, with fresh basil adding a refreshing pop of color. Add capers for an even bigger flavor.

11 of 21

Cucumber Caprese Sandwich

cucumber caprese sandwich — Brie Passano

We added cucumber and greens to the tomato to make this refreshing cucumber caprese sandwich flavored with pesto, fresh mozzarella and a sweet balsamic glaze.

12 of 21

Caprese Zucchini Casserole

Caprese Zucchini Casserole

A summertime favorite—zucchini casserole—gets an Italian spin in this delicious and healthy side dish with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. You can use zucchini or summer squash in this caprese-style casserole, or a combination of the two. A sprinkling of fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar just before serving brightens up the flavors. Serve with grilled or roasted chicken and some quinoa, rice or couscous to soak up the juices from the casserole for a satisfying and easy dinner.

13 of 21

Sheet-Pan Caprese Pizza

This light and flavorful caprese pizza is ready when the tomatoes are just heated through and the mozzarella cheese is slightly melted. If you want a little more on this pizza, it'd be delicious with a few slices of prosciutto. Chef tip: let your dough come up to room temperature before you stretch it--it'll make it much easier to work with.

14 of 21

Watermelon Caprese Salad

watermelon caprese salad

This refreshing twist on the classic caprese salad replaces tomatoes with sweet, juicy watermelon. Basil and balsamic vinegar push this easy summer salad to the savory side, but if you want some sweeter notes, opt for balsamic glaze. An optional drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil at the end helps marry the flavors.

15 of 21

Campfire Caprese Grilled Cheese

A twist on a classic grilled cheese, this caprese sandwich adds pesto and tomato for a quick and simple campsite meal.

16 of 21

Caprese Skewers

Tomato-Basil Skewers — Photographer / Jen Causey, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

We take all the ingredients of a classic caprese salad and layer them onto skewers for a quick appetizer. These tomato-mozzarella-basil skewers are easy to assemble and perfect for a party.

17 of 21

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad — Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely

This light and fresh caprese pasta salad is brought together with a bright and tangy dressing, with fresh mozzarella pearls adding creaminess to every bite.

18 of 21

Caprese Pasta Salad with Salami

Caprese salad with salami — Jacob Fox

Tomatoes—both cherry and heirloom—are the star of the show in this pasta salad. This easy summer dinner includes salami for its rich savory flavor, but you can skip it or sub in white beans to make this dish vegetarian. Recipe adapted from Tomato Love by Joy Howard.

19 of 21

Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata

For a gorgeous take on a classic caprese, make this healthy salad recipe with heirloom tomatoes in various colors, shapes and sizes. Swapping regular mozzarella for creamy burrata makes this summer salad even more special--but it's still incredibly easy to make.

20 of 21

Skillet Caprese Chicken Casserole

Skillet Caprese Chicken Casserole — Brie Passano

This one-skillet dinner features the flavors of a summer caprese salad. Fresh tomatoes and basil are combined with chicken and pasta and cooked in a creamy sauce before being topped with a layer of melted mozzarella. A good-quality balsamic vinegar and a sprinkling of fresh basil completes the dish.

21 of 21

Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Chicken Caprese Sandwich — Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely

This chicken caprese sandwich has all the classic flavors of a caprese salad with an added boost of protein from grilled chicken. Using store-bought grilled chicken makes assembly quick and easy. This sandwich for one is made in a skillet, but would work equally well in a panini press if you have one on hand.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Related Articles

Avocado Caprese Salad

Avocado Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

a photo of Ina Garten

The Best Way to Make a Caprese Salad, According to Ina Garten

overhead shot of an American flag made out of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and blueberries

American Flag Caprese Salad with Blueberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad

12 Caprese Salads You'll Want to Make All Summer Long

Lemony Lentil Salad

13 Cucumber Salads You'll Want to Make Forever

a recipe photo of the Bell Pepper and Feta Chickpea Salad served in a bowl

14 10-Minute Chickpea Lunch Recipes

Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata

Welcome to ThePrep!

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Candy Cane on a serving board

This 5-Ingredient Caprese Candy Cane Board Is the Cutest Holiday Appetizer

Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad

Hasselback Tomato Caprese Salad

Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

17 Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Salad Recipes

Hearty Breakfast Salad with Roasted Cabbage & Baked Feta

28 High-Protein, High-Fiber Salad Recipes

Roasted Bell Pepper Salad with Mozzarella & Basil

Caprese Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes & Burrata

Broccoli, Chickpea & Pomegranate Salad