This super easy Calabrian Caprese salad recipe is the perfect easy to make, spicy summer side dish for any day! Whether you're having just a small family dinner, a big barbecue or even a holiday get together, if its summer time and you're trying to find the perfect side dish, this is it!!
What's in this calabrian caprese salad?
- tomatoes - I like cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and less prep work!
- fresh mozzerella - I like the fresh mozzerella Ciliegine or fresh mozzerella pearls for the bite sized portions and again no prep required for it
- fresh basil
- balsamic vinegar
- calabrian chilli paste - I like the Bomba sauce from Trader Joe's but there are also varieties in supermarkets or online
How can I elevate a simple salad?
For me, its all about how you dress a salad that makes all the difference! And a caprese salad is really no different! If you're looking for even more variations, try some of these other suggestions as well.
Here are my favorite ways to dress up a simple caprese salad
- Just a nice olive oil drizzle. Maybe even try a flavored olive oil. Rosemary or citrus flavored one would be amazing.
- balsamic vinaigrette
- a spicy garlic chili oil - like that one that's in this pasta recipe
- Add some fresh veggies like bell peppers, corn, green beans or minced onions
- Add fresh summer fruit. strawberries, apricots, peaches pair perfectly with this summer salad
- Add some pickled veggies like onions, peppers or artichokes
- But salt & pepper is a MUST for every variation.
How to serve a caprese salad?
I know caprese salads are typically plated on a large platter with slice of fresh mozzarella and summer ripe tomatoes. But I really like to serve a spoonable version for larger get togethers. Its so much easier to assemble and toss with the dressing. Plus I think its a little easier for guest to help themselves because they can use a large serving spoon.
I also like to have some crackers on the side for an additional crunch!
This would be perfect with Perfectly Grilled Shrimp, Easy Rosemary Garlic Focaccia or even Spaghetti and Basil Garlic Chicken Meatballs!
Calabrian Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup grape tomatoes leave whole or slice in half depending on your preference
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 teaspoons calabrian chili paste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing ball, add the calabrian chilli paste, balasamic vinegar, olive oil. Whisk together to make the spicy vinaigrette. Season with a little salt and pepper.
- Add the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Stir to toss in the vinaigrette.
- Right before serving, top with chopped fresh basil leaves and a fresh sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Serve just as is or with sliced baguette or crackers!
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