The best summer dishes are light, refreshing and easy to make. This Caprese Salad with Pesto is all of these things and more.
Why this is my go-to summer dish!
During the summer, the last thing I want to do is turn on my oven – can you relate? I find myself wanting something that is cooling and fresh more than anything else. I make this Caprese salad for a quick lunch all the time, and the pesto adds a flavorful touch to a classic dish.
This is also a great thing to make and bring to a BBQ or cookout, as it is easy to make, transport and something that can be shared. I would recommend prepping the ingredients ahead of time and then assembling once you arrive at your destination. This way it does not become a mess in transport. Also, the presentation of this dish is part of its charm! There a many different ways you can plate a Caprese salad.
- Layering in a circle (as pictured above)
- Layering in a line (as pictured below)
- Putting Mozzarella Balls & Cherry Tomatoes on toothpicks and using Pesto as a dipping sauce
Other ways to use a Caprese Salad
If you don’t like pesto, you can definitely switch it up by drizzling balsamic glaze over the top. This provides a sweeter flavor and goes great with the smooth mozzarella cheese.
You could also plate this as your main appetizer with other Charcuterie items including: Olives, Almonds, or Italian Meats, such as Prosciutto, Genoa Salami, Sopressata, Mortadella etc.
Lastly, and this is something I love to do, you can turn this salad into a sandwich. Enjoy this hot or cold, using an Italian bread or Focaccia bread. Check out my other blog posts for these bread recipes.
Interested in a tutorial or recipe for Caprese Sandwich? Comment below and let me know!
Shopping List for Caprese Salad with Pesto
- 1 Beefsteak Tomato
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese
- 11 oz container Buitoni Pesto Sauce
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt
- Basil
Caprese Salad with Pesto
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Slicing Knife
- serving plate
Ingredients
- 1 Beefsteak Tomato
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese Used BelGioioso Mozzarella Cheese Ball All Natural Fresh
- 3 tbsp Pesto Sauce Used Buitoni Pesto Sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 5 Basil Leaves if available
Instructions
- Wash Tomato and Basil (if using)
- Slice Tomato and Mozzarella into 1/4 inch rounds
- Lay Tomato and Mozzarella on plate, alternating every other
- Season Tomatoes with Sea Salt
- Spread a light layer of Pesto on each slice of Tomato and Mozzarella
- Lightly drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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