If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine, you are going to fall head over heels for this Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe. It takes the classic Caprese salad—a simple yet irresistible combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—and elevates it with a luscious homemade pesto dressing. The result is a dish bursting with bright, herbaceous notes and a silky texture that makes every bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re serving it as a light appetizer, a side dish, or a refreshing summer lunch, this salad is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe truly shine is the quality and harmony of its ingredients. Each item is simple but essential, playing a unique role in balancing taste, texture, and color for a beautifully composed plate.
- 4 large tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for that perfect balance of juiciness and texture.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella: Soft and creamy, this cheese adds richness that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Fresh basil leaves: Essential for authentic flavor and bright green color, both in the salad and pesto.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the natural flavors and adds subtle spice.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (for pesto): Provides the aromatic base for the dressing’s vibrant herb flavor.
- 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts): Adds nuttiness and body to the pesto; walnuts give a lovely twist.
- 1 small garlic clove: Delivers a sharp, pungent kick that melds beautifully with the basil.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Brings a silky texture and fruity notes to the pesto.
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, umami depth to the dressing.
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to brighten up the pesto.
How to Make Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto Dressing
Start by making the star of this dish: the pesto dressing. Combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic clove, and grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor or blender. Pulse these ingredients until coarsely chopped, creating a fragrant and vibrant base.
Step 2: Blend and Drizzle
While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This gradual addition helps the pesto turn smooth and creamy, perfectly emulsified. If you like, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors even further. Finally, season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Lay the sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on a large serving platter, alternating them to create a colorful, appetizing pattern. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top to echo the pesto’s herbaceous notes visually and flavor-wise.
Step 4: Season the Base
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over the tomato and mozzarella layers. This seasoning step is crucial—it enhances all the natural flavors and adds a little pop to each bite.
Step 5: Drizzle the Pesto Dressing
Pour the pesto dressing evenly over the salad. The luscious green sauce binds the salad components together and coats them with its irresistible, fresh blend of flavors.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right away for the perfect balance of cool mozzarella, ripe tomato juices, and vibrant pesto.
How to Serve Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the salad’s presentation by adding a few extra basil leaves on top for that fresh herb aroma. You can also sprinkle a handful of toasted pine nuts to add crunch and visual interest, creating a dish that looks just as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious pesto dressing. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside grilled chicken or a light pasta dish to complement the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe in a large glass trifle bowl to show off the vivid colors and textures. Alternatively, you can skewer the ingredients on small cocktail sticks for an elegant appetizer at a party or picnic, making it easy for guests to enjoy these classic flavors on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the tomatoes and mozzarella refrigerated and the pesto dressing in a small jar. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
The Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe is a fresh dish, so freezing is not recommended. Freezing can compromise the texture of the tomatoes and mozzarella, leaving you with a watery, limp salad when thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If desired, allow refrigerated leftovers to come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade pesto adds an unbeatable freshness, a good quality store-bought pesto can be a convenient and tasty shortcut. Just drizzle it in place of the homemade dressing.
What’s the best type of tomato for Caprese Salad?
Heirloom tomatoes, beefsteak, or vine-ripened tomatoes work wonderfully here because of their rich flavor and firm texture, which hold up well when sliced.
Can I substitute the mozzarella?
If you’re looking for a twist, burrata is an excellent alternative for a creamier texture. Just be sure to handle it gently as it’s more delicate than fresh mozzarella.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This version includes mozzarella and Parmesan, which are dairy products, so it’s not vegan. However, you can substitute vegan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to make it vegan-friendly.
How long does the pesto dressing keep?
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the pesto dressing stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.
Final Thoughts
This Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe is one of those perfect dishes that’s incredibly easy to make yet feels special and indulgent. The marriage of bright tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and that irresistible pesto dressing is pure magic on a plate. Give it a try at your next gathering or anytime you want a fresh, flavorful meal that tastes like sunshine. You won’t regret it!
Print
Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This fresh and vibrant Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing combines juicy sliced tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, all enhanced by a homemade basil pesto drizzle. A perfect no-cook appetizer or light meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes, bursting with classic Italian flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pesto Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist)
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Make the Pesto Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, 1 small garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Blend while slowly drizzling in the 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper to your preference. For added brightness and freshness, optionally add a squeeze of lemon juice and blend briefly to incorporate.
- Assemble the Salad: On a serving platter, alternate layers or arrange slices of the 4 large tomatoes and 8 oz fresh mozzarella. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Season the Salad: Generously season the assembled tomatoes and mozzarella with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Drizzle with Pesto Dressing: Spoon or drizzle the prepared pesto evenly over the salad, ensuring each slice gets a touch of the aromatic dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy fresh, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld slightly. Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Walnuts can be used instead of pine nuts for a different flavor and cost-saving alternative.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative.
- This salad is best consumed fresh to maintain the integrity of the mozzarella and freshness of the tomatoes.
- You can prepare the pesto dressing up to one day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer, use heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful presentation and varied flavor.
