16 Caprese Spins That Will Make You Love This Salad Forever
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Mozzarella, tomato, and basil: these three harmonious Italian ingredients are the song of Summer, and they form the infamous caprese salad. However, the flavors lend themselves to a variety of other recipes: mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and hors d'oeuvres. Let these ideas be your guide all Summer long.
Sandwich
Sandwich roasted garlic, salami, mozzarella, tomato, and basil between a crusty baguette.
Mac and Cheese
Caprese mac and cheese is a recipe we make on the regular, especially during the height of tomato season. The cheese sauce contains goat, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses and is out of this world.
Skewers
Chances are you've seen the caprese appetizers on a toothpick, but have you attempted to make them for a quick, easy party snack?
Grilled Cheese
The salad fixings beg to be melted in between two pieces of bread, like in this grilled cheese.
Pasta Salad
Cook pasta in well-salted water, then drain, toss in olive oil, and chill. When you're ready to serve, top it with basil, mozzarella balls, cherry tomato halves, and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle it with balsamic reduction for an extra flavor kick. Pack this caprese pasta salad for work and picnics alike.
Burger
We're apt to think a burger has never looked so good with these Italian toppings. Grill a standard burger, but instead of cheddar or American, melt a slab of mozzarella on top. Then garnish the bun with large basil leaves, a thick tomato slice, and balsamic reduction.
Watermelon Caprese
Try refreshingly sweet bits of watermelon in this caprese salad, and you'll never want to eat it any other way.
Pizza
After making pizza dough, arrange mozzarella slabs and large tomato slices in a circular pattern around the pizza, and once it's cooked, garnish with big leaves of fresh basil.
Quinoa Bake
Top quinoa with slabs of tomato and mozzarella then bake it up to bubbly perfection for this one-pot meal. Dinner never looked so enticing.
Cucumber-Avocado Salad
Ever wish caprese had more veggies? This Summery salad takes care of that problem by adding plenty of cucumber and diced avocado.
Zucchini Roll-Ups
When you grill these zucchini roll-ups, the mozarella becomes ultra gooey. Yum!
Peach Skewers
Just as watermelon adds a nice, unexpected sweetness to caprese salad, as does peaches when added to the skewers.
With Strawberries and Pistachio Pesto
Another way to liven up your caprese salad? Sub the big leafy basil leaves for a nutty pistachio pesto and throw in some ripe strawberry halves.
With Blueberries
Beyond adding stunning color, blueberries in caprese offer a nice sweet-tart crunch.