Gluten-Free Caprese Salad
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
The vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing Caprese salad, featuring sweet, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. A simple yet elegant dish, it's perfect as a light lunch or a delightful side.
At a glance: This easy salads and sides recipe yields 4 servings in about 40 minutes (10 min prep, 30 min cook). It uses 7 ingredients — including ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more salads and sides recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Caprese Salad: When preparing this salads and sides recipe, in a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Caprese Salad: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, relying on fresh produce and dairy. Always ensure any added glazes or processed ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes (such as Roma or heirloom), sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (ensure GF)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Arrange the sliced ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella slices on a large platter, alternating them for an appealing presentation. Ensure the tomatoes are firm but ripe, and the mozzarella is fresh and creamy.
- 2
Gently tuck the fresh basil leaves in between the tomato and mozzarella slices. The vibrant green of the basil will add a beautiful contrast and a burst of aromatic flavor.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking for about 30 seconds until the ingredients are well combined and slightly emulsified.
- 4
Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the arranged tomatoes and mozzarella. The olive oil will coat the ingredients, and the balsamic glaze will add a touch of sweet tanginess.
- 5
Serve the Caprese salad immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures. This salad is best served within an hour of preparation for optimal taste and appearance.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- If substituting olive oil for butter, use about 3/4 the amount (olive oil is 100% fat, butter is ~80%).
- A pinch of sugar can balance overly acidic tomatoes.
- Roast vegetables in a single layer with space between them — crowded pans steam instead of caramelize.
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