It’s my favorite dish of summer … and it’s so easy to make! Fresh, plump grape tomatoes and snipped basil bring color and flavor to this delicious side dish, while mozzarella pearls give contrasting texture to the snap of veggies. It truly only takes five minutes to assemble a beautiful side salad that is both elegant and delicious.
Five Minute Caprese Salad is my go-to for potlucks and barbeques, especially when I’m pressed for time. I know it’ll be one of your favorites, too!
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What Is Five Minute Caprese Salad?
Caprese salad, or Insalata Caprese, is a side dish that’s traditionally made from tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. It takes its name from the island of Capri in Italy, where it is thought to have originated. As the story goes, a patriotic Italian wanted to create a dish to celebrate his home country after World War I. Like Margherita pizza, Caprese salad showcases the colors of the Italian flag through red tomatoes, white cheese, and green basil, reflecting pride in Italy.
How Is This Version Different Than The Traditional?
Typically, Caprese salad is presented as overlapping slices of tomato and cheese interspersed with basil leaves. The dish is drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper for simple, elegant fare. Caprese salad can be created in individual portions or on large, family-style platters.
This version reduces the time spent slicing and positioning by using bite-sized grape tomatoes and mozzarella pearls. Dry Italian dressing takes the place of salt and pepper while adding an extra zing of flavor. And by using kitchen shears to snip basil, you’ll be able to take this salad from prepping block to table in just five minutes.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead?
Yes!
While it’s easy to throw together at the last minute, peace of mind can come from having everything already made and in the fridge when guests arrive. This salad can be made a day ahead of time if stored in a tightly sealed container.
Hold off on adding the basil until just before serving. As the basil soaks up moisture from the other ingredients, it changes in consistency and becomes a darker, duller green. Adding the basil just before serving allows it to remain a vibrant, pretty green.
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Directions
- Rinse the grape tomatoes, then pour them into a large bowl. Drain liquid from mozzarella cheese pearls. Add pearls to bowl.
- Using kitchen shears, snip basil into thin strips. You’ll need about 1/4 cup snipped pieces. If you don’t have kitchen shears, this can be done with a knife. But the shears are more fun!
- Add the snipped basil to the mozzarella pearls and grape tomatoes. I love their bright colors!
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry Italian dressing mix over the tomatoes, cheese, and basil. Feel free to use more if you prefer a robust flavor!
- Drizzle about 1/4 cup olive oil over the ingredients.
- Stir to ensure the ingredients are well-combined. If possible, chill for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. The salad can also be served immediately … and in my house, it’s gone almost as soon as it’s put out!
What Should I Serve with 5 Minute Caprese Salad?
- Fire up the grill for Peach Glazed Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- It’s okay to be cheesy with Easy Cheesy Potatoes with Corn Flake Topping
- Tickle their taste buds with Snickers Taffy Apple Salad
5 Minute Caprese Salad
Course: All Recipes, Sides, SaladsDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes5
minutesA quick and easy summer side salad that is both elegant and delicious … and you can make it in just five minutes!
Ingredients
1 pint grape tomatoes
8 oz mozzarella pearls (I like using 2.5 g sized pearls)
1/4 cup fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons dry Italian dressing mix
Directions
- Rinse the grape tomatoes, then pour them into a large bowl. Drain liquid from mozzarella cheese pearls. Add pearls to bowl.
- Snip basil into thin strips. Add 1/4 cup snipped basil to tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry Italian dressing mix over the tomatoes, cheese, and basil.
- Drizzle about 1/4 cup olive oil over the ingredients.
- Stir to ensure the ingredients are well-combined. Chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld for best taste.
Notes
- Are you making this salad ahead of time for a potluck or barbeque? Hold off on snipping and adding the basil until it’s almost time to serve. This gives the tomatoes and cheese time to meld with the flavors of the Italian dressing, and it prevents the basil from becoming wilted.
Original Publishing Date 8/11/2020
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