It’s truly a demonstration of the power of simplicity that something as basic as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil can result in one of the greatest dishes out there – Caprese Salad.
A simple twist on an Italian classic, this salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal.
But, while you may be set on having Caprese Salad for dinner tonight, what to serve with Caprese salad?
So many possibilities could take your dish from tasty to savory perfection – and today, we’ll explore them!
What Is Caprese Salad?
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
The ingredients are usually layered in alternating slices before drizzling with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
It’s a simple but flavor-packed salad popular as an appetizer or side dish.
Caprese salad is a great way to enjoy the summer’s bounty of fresh tomatoes and basil and is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats.
Serve it alongside grilled meats, fish, or anything else for a light and refreshing meal.
What To Serve With Caprese Salad?
So, what to serve with Caprese salad? It’s great for summertime meals because it requires minimal cooking time and can be served as an appetizer or main course.
To complete the meal, consider serving it with other dishes that complement its bright and delicious flavors.
Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells is a classic Italian dish of large pasta shells filled with cheese and herbs, usually ricotta or mozzarella.
The stuffed shells are then baked in a marinara sauce for a delicious and comforting meal. It’s typically served as an appetizer or main course.
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Caprese salad is the perfect accompaniment to stuffed shells.
Combining the creamy cheese from the stuffed shells and the vibrant flavors from the Caprese salad makes for an unbeatable meal.
Plus, the colors look great on the plate! Not to mention that Caprese salad is quick and easy to make, making it the perfect accompaniment for stuffed shells.
Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is an Italian-American dish with cooked ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
It is a hearty casserole-style dish that can easily be adapted to include any meat or vegetable.
Baked Ziti may also be topped with additional cheeses and herbs before being baked in the oven.
The combination of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil makes for an excellent accompaniment to Baked Ziti.
The rich flavors of the ziti and the bright, fresh taste of the Caprese salad balance each other out perfectly, creating a delicious meal.
Additionally, the ziti protein helps make this dish more filling and satisfying.
Caponata
Caponata is a traditional Sicilian dish that consists of cooked vegetables, primarily eggplant, typically cooked in olive oil and vinegar.
It is often served as an appetizer or antipasto with crusty bread, but it can also be served as a side dish.
The flavors found in caponata are unique and range from sweet to sour, depending on the ingredients used.
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When caponata is served with Caprese salad, it creates a savory combination that can’t be found anywhere else.
The sweetness of the caponata complements the acidic flavors of the tomatoes and basil in the Caprese salad, creating a flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate.
The combination of the two is also visually appealing and makes a beautiful plate for presentation.
Additionally, both dishes are usually served cold, which means that you can prepare them ahead of time and serve them at room temperature or chilled.
This makes it great for summer entertaining, where you want to spend only a little time over the stove.
Whether as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, combining caponata and Caprese salad is a delicious way to enjoy Italian cuisine.
Pesto Pasta
Pesto Pasta is an Italian dish with basil-based pesto sauce, usually mixed with pasta.
This pasta dish can be prepared using different noodles, such as spaghetti, fettuccine or penne.
Apart from its signature pesto flavor, the dish may include diced tomatoes, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.
You serve Pesto Pasta with Caprese salad as a light and refreshing accompaniment to the rich and flavourful pasta dish.
The salad’s light, slightly acidic notes balance out the richness of the Pesto Pasta. This makes for a delicious and flavourful meal!
Italian Sausage
Italian sausage is fresh or cured pork made with garlic, fennel, parsley, and other spices.
It is often served with Caprese salad due to its robust flavor and texture that works well with the creamy mozzarella cheese, acidic tomatoes and sweet balsamic glaze.
The combination of rich flavors makes this a classic Italian dish that is sure to please.
Other popular accompaniments for Italian sausage include pasta sauces, pizzas, sandwiches, and soups.
Adding it to these dishes adds a flavorful twist and makes them extra special.
With its savory flavor and texture, Italian sausage makes a delicious addition to any meal!
Focaccia
Focaccia is a flat oven-baked bread from Italy, usually topped with herbs and olive oil.
It has a spongy interior and can come in various shapes and sizes. Focaccia is often served as an appetizer or side dish.
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The combination with Caprese salad provides a delicious balance of salty, savory flavors and fresh, summery ingredients.
The focaccia provides heartiness to the salad, while the Caprese adds a burst of flavor and crunch.
Together, they make an ideal light meal perfect for warm weather days. Additionally, both components can be made and stored in the fridge to be ready to go when needed.
Risotto
Risotto is a traditional Italian rice dish that is cooked in broth.
It is usually made with Arborio rice and can be served as either a main course or a side dish.
The most popular variations are Parmesan risotto, mushroom risotto, and seafood risotto.
Risotto has a creamy texture and rich flavor, making it an ideal accompaniment to various dishes.
This combination of fresh ingredients complements the flavors of risotto perfectly and provides a light yet flavorful side to the dish.
Together, these two dishes make a perfect Italian meal.
Arancini
Arancini is a traditional Italian dish of fried rice balls filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
It is usually served as an appetizer or main course in Italian cuisine.
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Due to its round shape and resemblance to the sun, Arancini has become popularly known as the “little sun.”
Caprese salad is the perfect accompaniment to Arancini because the flavors are complementary.
The creamy, salty cheese and savory meat or vegetable filling of the Arancini is complemented by the acidity of fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar in Caprese salad.
The colors in both dishes – red, green, and white – are also aesthetically pleasing. Arancini and Caprese salad makes a delicious addition to any Italian feast.
Antipasto Platter
An antipasto platter is a classic Italian starter or appetizer that typically consists of cured meats, olives, artichokes, mushrooms, and cheeses.
It’s served cold or at room temperature and used to whet the appetite before a meal.
Serving an antipasto platter with Caprese salad is a great way to provide a light, flavorful pairing for the platter.
This refreshing combination perfectly complements the savory meats, cheeses, and vegetables of the antipasto platter.
Combining these two dishes in one meal allows guests to enjoy a delicious and varied assortment of Italian food.
Additionally, the simple presentation of the antipasto platter, combined with the colorful Caprese salad, makes it an attractive option for any special occasion.
FAQs
Is Caprese Salad Healthy?
Yes, Caprese salad is a healthy dish because it contains fresh ingredients like tomatoes, basil and mozzarella cheese.
Additionally, the olive oil used for dressing provides healthy fats that are good for your heart.
Do You Serve Red Wine With Caprese Salad?
Yes, pairing a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir can be an excellent accompaniment to Caprese Salad.
The tomatoes’ subtle acidity and the cheese’s richness pair well with most red wines.
Do You Serve Chardonnay With Caprese Salad?
Yes, Chardonnay is an excellent pairing with Caprese Salad.
You could also opt for a dry Rosé for a refreshing combination.
What Kind of Bread To Serve With Caprese Salad?
Sliced or cubed Italian bread is an excellent accompaniment to Caprese salad.
You can also serve it with croutons or crostini for added crunch. If you want a gluten-free option, try serving the salad with roasted potatoes.
Conclusion
Now you should know what to serve with Caprese salad. Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that pairs perfectly with many other favorites.
From Italian sausage and focaccia to risotto and Arancini, there are plenty of delicious accompaniments for Caprese salad.
Additionally, an antipasto platter makes a great starter or appetizer when served alongside the salad.
With its savory flavor and vibrant colors, Caprese salad is ideal for any Italian meal.
It’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with one of these delicious accompaniments for the ultimate Italian dining experience!
