Caprese Salad

Name: Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 12 oz cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese balls or slices; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published July 10, 2021 • Updated June 2, 2025

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Reader Rating

4.8 Stars (4 Reviews) 4 Comments

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Are you looking for a refreshing summer salad to serve at your next BBQ or potluck? This Caprese salad is low-carb and has a sweet and tangy bite that your guests will find irresistible. The cool fresh salad is made with tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese; the perfect contrast to these hot summer days!

a black plate of tomatoes, mozzarella balls and basil leaves next to a fork

two plates with caprese salad on it with course salt and basil on the table

a fresh plate of caprese on mixed with a balsamic vinaigrette

10 Mins

Nutrition Facts

Servings

221

Calories

16.9g

Fat

10.8g

Protein

3.4g

Net Carb

4.4g

Total Carbs

Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Caprese Salad Ingredients

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese balls or slices
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced

Caprese Salad Directions

STEP

1

Make vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
STEP

2

Assemble salad

In a large bowl, add tomatoes halves, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil.
STEP

3

Toss the salad

Drizzle dressing over the salad. Toss to evenly coat.

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Keto Caprese Salad Recipe

dressing glistening on a caprese salad on a black plate

A Caprese salad is the perfect keto salad for an event! This traditional Italian salad is beautifully laid out and will look impressive at your gatherings. If you are looking for a side dish to brighten up your spread of food, this is it. The red from the tomatoes beautifully contrasts the white from the mozzarella and the green from the basil. With balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, coarse kosher salt, ground black pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese balls, and basil leaves, your salad will be refreshing and delicious. This keto salad will be a big hit at your next gathering so make sure to make some extra!

Is Balsamic Vinegar Keto?

While balsamic vinegar does contain sugar, this caprese salad recipe only uses a small amount of balsamic vinegar. By using a small amount, your salad will only have a few carbs per serving. For each serving, there are only 3.4 grams net carbs, making this recipe keto-friendly. Since all balsamic vinegar brands are different, you should look for one that has the lowest amount of carbs and sugars per tablespoon. You should also avoid balsamic reduction or balsamic glaze since the tend to have the highest sugar content.

Additions

Since most caprese salad recipes are typically very simple in ingredients, there are quite a few additions you can add to make this dish more interesting. For example, you can add slices of fresh avocado or even garlic for some extra texture and flavor. If you want a stronger Italian taste, you can also add a dash of Italian seasoning or a splash of Italian dressing. Even pesto and sliced olives would be a good addition. Heirloom tomatoes would add so much flavor to this keto salad as well. Add spinach if you are going for more of a chopped caprese salad. There are many versions of a caprese salad that work since mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil goes well with nearly anything. All of these options are keto friendly – especially the avocado!

looking straight into two plates pilled with fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This caprese salad recipe is best made fresh since if you make it ahead of time, the vegetables, especially the basil, will wilt. But there are a few things you can prepare ahead of time to make the process faster. You can slice the tomatoes and cheese ahead of time, or even buy presliced mozzarella. You can even whisk the balsamic vinaigrette dressing ahead of time. Just make sure to assemble the full keto salad just before you are ready to eat.

Caprese Salad: FAQS

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! Regular tomatoes can work well in this salad. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

What if I don't have fresh basil?

If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Just remember to use it sparingly, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

How long can I store leftover Caprese salad?

It's best to enjoy your Caprese salad fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the tomatoes may release water and the basil may wilt.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While you can prepare the ingredients ahead, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the basil and the texture of the tomatoes.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Caprese salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities!

Nutritional information & Macros

Amount Per Serving
Calories	221
Fat	16.9g
Protein	10.8g
Total Carbs	4.4g
Net Carbs	3.4g

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About Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis and a Pharm.D., she has over 11 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism. She is the author of the Protein Packed cookbook, published by Victory Belt Publishing.

Learn more about Annie →

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