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What to Serve with Caprese Salad? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

There’s nothing quite like a freshly made Caprese salad.

With its juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and salty basil, it’s hard to beat the classic Italian combination of flavors that make up this easy-to-assemble dish.

But while traditional Caprese salad is an excellent light lunch option on its own, sometimes you need something more substantial to go with it—and trying to figure out what to serve with Caprese can be perplexing!

Never fear: we have put together 12 mouthwateringly delicious side dishes for a complete meal that pairs perfectly with your classic tomato-mozzarella combo.

Each one features fresh ingredients and has detailed instructions so you will know exactly how to create the perfect accompaniment for your favorite summer salad.

What to Serve with Caprese Salad? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

1. Pesto Zucchini Noodles

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta, look no further than pesto zucchini noodles.

This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s so easy to make.

Pesto zucchini noodles have a light, refreshing taste that’s perfect for summer.

They’re also incredibly versatile – you can add whatever vegetables or protein you like.

I like to add cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

The key to making great pesto zucchini noodles is not to overcook them.

Zucchini is a delicate vegetable, so it doesn’t take long to cook through.

I recommend sautéing the noodles in a tablespoon or two of olive oil until they’re just tender.

Then, add your desired toppings and enjoy.

2. Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Verde

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make flank steak recipe? Try grilling your steak with salsa verde.

This recipe is packed with flavor, and the steak comes out juicy and tender.

The key to making a great grilled flank steak is to start with a quality piece of meat.

Look for a steak that is well-marbled and about 1-inch thick.

The marbling will help to keep the steak moist and flavorful during cooking.

Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

Then, cook the steak over medium-high heat on a preheated grill.

Salsa verde is a bright and fresh sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled flank steak.

To make salsa verde, simply combine chopped parsley, mint, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt in a food processor or blender.

Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.

Serve the grilled flank steak sliced thin, topped with salsa verde.

3. Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi

Creamy roasted garlic gnocchi is the perfect side dish to Caprese salad.

The soft pillowy texture of the gnocchi pairs perfectly with the freshness of the salad, and the roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor that takes the dish to the next level.

To make this dish even more irresistible, be sure to use high-quality gnocchi and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

For an extra touch of decadence, you can also drizzle some truffle oil over the top before serving.

This dish can be easily made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to eat.

Simply cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, then toss with the roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat in a large skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

4. Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter

Baked fish with lemon garlic butter is a light and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion.

The fish is baked to perfection, and the lemon garlic butter adds a delicious flavor.

This dish is also very easy to make and can be made in under 30 minutes.

The taste of this dish is light and refreshing.

The fish is cooked to perfection, and the lemon garlic butter adds a delicious flavor.

The texture of the fish is flaky and tender.

There are several tips that can help you elevate this dish:

  • Use fresh fish for the best flavor.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect flavor combination for your taste buds.
  • Use high-quality butter for the best results.

5. No-knead Ciabatta Bread

No-knead ciabatta bread is a type of bread that is made without having to knead the dough.

This bread is characterized by its large, airy holes and chewy texture.

Ciabatta bread is typically served as an appetizer or side dish, but it can also be used as sandwich bread.

One of the best things about no-knead ciabatta bread is that it is so easy to make.

The dough only needs to be mixed together and then left to rise for a few hours.

There is no need to knead the dough, which makes this bread very low-maintenance.

Another plus of no-knead ciabatta bread is that it tastes great.

The large, airy holes make this bread light and fluffy, while the chewy texture makes it satisfying and filling.

This bread can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings.

If you want to elevate your no-knead ciabatta bread, there are a few things you can do.

One option is to top the bread with some garlic butter before baking it.

This will give the bread a delicious garlicky flavor that will take it from good to great.

Another option is to stuff the bread with your favorite fillings before baking it.

This transforms the bread into a meal unto itself.

No-knead ciabatta bread is a delicious, easy-to-make bread that is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you are looking for an appetizer or side dish, or hearty sandwich bread, this bread will not disappoint.

6. Grilled Flatbread with Prosciutto and Arugula

Flatbread is a delicious and versatile option for any meal, but it’s especially perfect for summer grilling.

This grilled flatbread with prosciutto and arugula is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer.

The crispy flatbread pairs perfectly with the salty prosciutto and the peppery arugula.

It’s a simple dish that can be easily elevated with a few simple tips.

To start, make sure you use a good quality flatbread.

A thicker, denser flatbread will hold up better on the grill and won’t get as charred.

If you’re using a thinner flatbread, you may want to brush it with a little olive oil before grilling to help prevent it from sticking.

Next, don’t skimp on the toppings.

The best part of this dish is the combination of flavors, so make sure to load up your flatbread with plenty of prosciutto and arugula.

And if you really want to elevate the dish, add some shaved Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before serving.

7. Roasted Beet and Berry Salad

This roasted beet and berry salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce.

The beets are roasted to perfection and then combined with sweet berries and a light dressing.

The result is a salad that is both flavorful and beautiful.

The key to this salad is in the roasted beets.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the beets while also giving them a slightly charred flavor that pairs well with the berries.

The berries add a touch of sweetness and color, while the light dressing keeps the salad from being too heavy.

To elevate this dish, I suggest serving it with a grilled chicken breast or salmon fillet.

The protein will help balance out the flavors and make it a complete meal.

You could also add some crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese for an additional layer of flavor.

8. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Grilled vegetable skewers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy your favorite summertime vegetables.

This dish is perfect for cookouts, picnics, or even a quick weeknight meal.

Skewers can be made with any combination of vegetables, but we love the classic combo of zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion.

The key to making great grilled vegetable skewers is to choose the right vegetables.

You want vegetables that are firm enough to hold up on the grill but that will also get nice and tender when cooked.

Zucchini, yellow squash, and red onion are all perfect choices.

For extra flavor, try marinating your vegetables in a bit of olive oil and your favorite herbs before grilling.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate this dish, try serving it with a simple tomato basil salad or some fresh mozzarella cheese.

Grilled vegetable skewers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy your favorite summertime vegetables.

This dish is perfect for cookouts, picnics, or even a quick weeknight meal.

9. Caprese Pasta Salad

This dish is a great option if you’re looking for something light but flavorful.

The key ingredients in a traditional Caprese salad are tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

This dish is usually served as an appetizer or side, but we think it could easily be made into a main course by adding some pasta.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity.

The freshness of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the mozzarella, and the earthiness of the basil all come together to create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.

One bite of this pasta salad, and you’ll be hooked.

If you’re looking to elevate this dish, we suggest adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.

The protein will help to make it a more well-rounded meal, and the added flavor from the grill will take it over the top.

10. Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon feta salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for summertime.

The sweetness of the watermelon pairs perfectly with the salty feta cheese, and the mint adds a lovely touch of freshness.

This dish is best served cold, so it is perfect for a hot summer day.

One of the best things about this dish is its simplicity.

Watermelon feta salad only requires a few ingredients, and it comes together quickly.

The key to making this dish successful is to use good quality ingredients.

Make sure to use ripe watermelon that is sweet and juicy.

Feta cheese can vary in quality, so try to find a good quality brand that has a strong flavor.

Lastly, use fresh mint leaves for the best flavor.

This dish can be served as a side or main course.

If you are serving it as a side, pair it with grilled chicken or fish.

For a vegetarian main course, add some chopped avocado to the salad.

You could also add some chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.

11. Tomato Mozzarella Tart

This dish is the perfect blend of savory and sweet.

The tomatoes are roasted to perfection, and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

The tart crust is flaky and buttery.

It’s the perfect dish to serve as a side or even as a main course.

The key to this dish is to use the freshest ingredients possible.

The tomatoes should be ripe but not too soft, and the mozzarella should be fresh and soft.

You can use any type of tomato, but I prefer to use cherry tomatoes because they are sweetness pair well with the mozzarella.

If you want to elevate this dish, you can try using a variety of different tomatoes.

Heirloom tomatoes would be great in this dish.

You could also experiment with different types of cheese.

Buffalo mozzarella would be a great option.

12. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion.

The salad is made with quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, and parsley and is tossed in a lemon vinaigrette.

The quinoa provides a hearty base for the salad, while the vegetables add freshness and flavor.

The mint and parsley give the salad a bright, herbal flavor that is perfectly balanced by the acidity of the lemon vinaigrette.

To elevate this dish, try adding some feta cheese or grilled chicken.

The feta cheese will add a creamy element to the salad, while the grilled chicken will add a bit of protein.

Both of these additions will make the salad more filling and satisfying.

If you are looking for a lighter option, you can simply leave out the feta cheese or chicken.

Conclusion

Caprese salad is a delicious and simple dish that can be made with just a few ingredients.

While it’s perfect on its own, sometimes you may want to serve it with a side dish or two.

We’ve put together a list of 12 must-try side dishes that will complement your Caprese salad perfectly.

From pasta dishes to rice bowls to salads, there’s sure to be something for everyone on this list.

So next time you make a Caprese salad, don’t forget to check out these mouthwatering side dishes.

What to Serve with Caprese Salad? 12 Must-try Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Pesto Zucchini Noodles
  • 2. Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Verde
  • 3. Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi
  • 4. Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter
  • 5. No-knead Ciabatta Bread
  • 6. Grilled Flatbread with Prosciutto and Arugula
  • 7. Roasted Beet and Berry Salad
  • 8. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
  • 9. Caprese Pasta Salad
  • 10. Watermelon Feta Salad
  • 11. Tomato Mozzarella Tart
  • 12. Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!