Tomato, mozzarella, and basil are the delicious and time-honored ingredients that make up a classic keto Caprese Salad, and this keto version is about as delicious as delicious gets! Hungry? Read on and I, Chef Jenn, will show you how to make a classic keto Caprese Salad perfectly every time!
Sometimes the most simple ingredients are the tastiest, and this classic keto Caprese salad is a must-try for anyone who loves the great flavors of garden-fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and herbaceous basil. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly. I see this dish on restaurant menus ALL THE TIME, and it takes hardly any effort or time to do it at home in your own kitchen.
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What You need to Make Classic keto Caprese Salad
With so few ingredients, quality REALLY matters in this dish.
- Tomatoes: Look for the very best tomatoes you can find (on the vine tomatoes are a great choice if you can’t get garden-fresh.
- Mozzarella: You want fresh mozzarella, the kind that’s packed in water. This isn’t time for shredded or pizza mozzarella cheese. Buffalo mozzarella is also a great pick.
- Basil: Dark green fresh basil leaves are what you’re after. Many grocery stores sell fresh basil. Fresh basil REALLY makes this recipe.
- Balsamic vinegar: see my notes below
- Olive oil: Now’s the time to use the GOOD olive oil!
Is Balsamic Vinegar Keto?
Yes! Balsamic vinegar is anti-glycemic1, meaning that it won’t cause insulin spikes. Combine this with it being fairly low in natural sugars, it’s a great pick on a keto diet.
Just watch out because not all balsamic vinegars are created equal! Compare the ingredient labels of a few different kinds and you’ll see what I mean. Some have caramel color and added sugars to them. Blech. Skip those!
Look for a balsamic vinegar that contains 1 ingredient: balsamic vinegar.
What About Balsamic Glaze?
You can drizzle your keto Caprese Salad with balsamic glaze – to make that, pour 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small pot and simmer it over very low heat until it has reduced and thickened.
Are Tomatoes Keto?
Yes and no. Strict keto dieters tend to avoid tomatoes because they are higher in net carbs. However, most keto dieters have no trouble accommodating a few extra carbs to enjoy the fabulous flavors of fresh tomato.
Want more info on tomatoes on keto? This article has lots of info for you.
How To Make Classic Keto Caprese Salac
- Cut thickish (about 1/3-1/2 inch thick) slices of tomato.
- Cut similarly thick slices of fresh mozzarella.
- Layer the tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil leaves into a pretty pattern.
- Drizzle with good quality balsamic vinegar or glaze and a drizze of olive oil.
- Enjoy!
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Tomatoes should be kept on the countertop. The only tomatoes that can handle the fridge are plum (Roma) tomatoes.
- Fresh mozzarella comes in all sorts of fun sizes, but for the most authentic Caprese Salad, choose mozzarella that’s larger – about the size of a tomato.
- You can chiffonade the basil if you like, but for the prettiest presentation, keep the leaves whole. To chiffonade basil, stack leaves on top of each other and roll them up like a cigar. Then, thinly slice the rolled basil working from end to end.
- Use a combination of yellow or heirloom tomatoes to make the presentation even prettier.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like your keto Caprese Salad with a bit of heat to it.
- No basil? Try it with a bit of pesto instead.
- Swap the mozzarella for burrata to create a more indulgent version of this low carb Caperese salad.
What To Serve With a Classic Keto Caprese Salad?
This stunning salad is the perfect first course to an Italian feast, but I also love it with grilled steaks, smoked beef tenderloin, or a classic roast beef dinner. It would also go splendidly with this Mediterranean Chicken Bake or this Creamy White Wine Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! With just a handful of net carbs, you can enjoy this delicious low-carb recipe.
This is a stunning appetizer or even a light meal. Serve it with an Italian feast, or your favorite dinner dishes.
The mozzarella will keep in its liquid in the fridge but the tomatoes and basil won’t last long. This is a dish that’s best served fresh and eaten soon after making it.
LIke This? Also Try:
Classic Keto Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound beefsteak tomatoes 2-3 tomatoes
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes into thick 1/2-inch slices.
- Slice the mozzarella into 1/2-inch slices.
- Layer the tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves in a pretty dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and enjoy!
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed. Erythritol carbs (sugar substitutes) are not included in the carbohydrate counts as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar, and they have zero calories and zero carbs. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
WANT EVEN MORE EASY KETO RECIPES?
I’m always cooking up new eats and treats in the kitchen, but the following are some of my tried-and-true favorites that I make over and over again:
- This meaty sausage dish
- Tasty grilled veggies
- This chicken version of a taco casserole
- Beefy soup
- and if you need help counting carbs, check out my net carb calculator!
1https://www.healthline.com/health/balsamic-vinegar-health-benefits
Classic salad. One of my favorite during summer time. Looks delicious.
This salad is so delicious and easy to do. I am definitely making this one!
I love this Italian classic. You inspired me to have it as an appetizer for tonight’s dinner! Beautiful photos!
I love this classic caprese so much. It looks amazing!
I found your Caprese salad recipe via the web and decided it looked terrific. I had to try it out immediately. The family loved it, and there was not one complaint. Thank goodness! Excellent instructions and tips that were easy to follow The recipe turned out fantastic. I will be saving this recipe to make again soon. Have a fabulous day!
I am Looking forward to making more of your recipes soon.
Heidy
So glad you found it and that you all enjoyed it! ~Jenn