A Caprese salad is a simple dish made of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and olive oil. It’s known for bright, fresh flavors and originated from the Italian island of Capri.
After experimenting with loads of different combinations, I’ve come up with 17 delicious sides that pair perfectly with this classic salad.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with Caprese salad are creamy gnocchi, no-knead ciabatta, grilled shrimp, and baked fish. You can also try grilled flank steak, bacon-wrapped scallops, or a flatbread pizza. For veggie options, try raw avocado pesto salad or fried avocado slices.
Raw avocado pesto zucchini noodles
Zucchini noodles are my go-to pasta alternative – they’re low-carb and super nourishing.
They’re usually cooked, but you can also enjoy them raw (like in this recipe).
The crunchy faux noodles, combined with the creamy and herby avocado pesto are a fabulous accompaniment to your juicy Caprese salad.
Why we love this recipe: it’s the perfect addition to vegetarian meals.
Featured recipe
Raw avocado pesto zucchini noodles
Make it indulgent
Zoodles cacio e pepe
Another pasta alternative
Rosemary browned butter spaghetti squash
Chicken marsala
This classic Italian-American chicken marsala is one of my favorite dishes to make.
It’s easy to whip up and super tasty – as your chicken cutlets cook, they absorb the nutty, slightly sweet flavors of your marsala sauce.
Psst… no marsala wine? Use Madeira or dry white wine.
Serve this alongside a fresh bowl of Caprese salad for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s great for busy weeknight dinners.
Featured recipe
Chicken marsala
Make it plain
The best grilled chicken
Go meat-free
Tofu cutlets marsala
Grilled flank steak with salsa verde
Flank steak gets a bad rep for being tough, but all it needs is a marinade and about 10 minutes on the grill to become tender, juicy, and oh-so-tasty.
This recipe calls for an Italian-style salsa verde as a marinade to infuse your flank steak with bright, herby flavors.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a steak dinner that won’t break the bank.
Featured recipe
Grilled flank steak with salsa verde
Keep it simple
Pan-seared flank steak with garlic butter
Make it fancy
Stuffed flank steak
Creamy roasted garlic gnocchi
I’m a big pasta lover, but for those days when I want to indulge, this gnocchi dish is perfect.
After all, what’s more decadent than pillowy potato dumplings drenched in a luscious, garlicky, creamy sauce?
The roasted garlic adds a delicate sweetness to your dish – don’t be tempted to swap it for sauteed garlic!
Why we love this recipe: it’s pure comfort on a plate
Featured recipe
Creamy roasted garlic gnocchi with bacon
Make it simple
Gnocchi with butter garlic and parmesan
Make it crispy
Pan-fried gnocchi with pumpkin and spinach
Baked fish with lemon garlic butter
Baked fish served alongside Caprese salad makes for a delightfully light but satisfying meal.
This dish boasts fresh, citrusy flavors that pair well with your salad’s creamy and tart notes.
For best results, use white fish like cod and snapper for this dish – they have a delicate flavor, which allows the butter sauce to shine.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a healthy, budget-friendly dish.
Featured recipe
Baked fish with lemon garlic butter sauce
Make it Greek-inspired
Mediterranean baked fish
Make it crispy
Parmesan tilapia
No-knead ciabatta bread
A loaf of good, crusty bread is all your Caprese salad really needs to complete it.
I especially like this ciabatta bread – it has a thin, crisp crust and a light, airy crumb.
Use a slice to mop up the juices from your salad or as a base for an open-face Caprese sandwich.
Why we love this recipe: it’s ideal for beginner bakers.
Featured recipe
No-knead ciabatta bread
Try another Italian classic
Traditional focaccia
Make it tangy
Beginner’s sourdough bread
Grilled flatbread with prosciutto
Take pizza nights up a notch with this gorgeous grilled flatbread – it’s made from scratch and topped with sweet and salty prosciutto, peppery arugula, and tart goat’s cheese.
It’s simple, but this flavor combination with the smokiness from your grilled flatbread is simply delightful.
Why we love this recipe: you can customize the toppings however you like.
Featured recipe
Grilled flatbread with prosciutto, arugula, and goat’s cheese
Make it meatless
Summer squash pizza with burrata and basil
Make it different
Smoked salmon naan pizza
Fried avocado slices
If you’ve never tried fried avocado slices, you’re missing out.
Golden panko bread crumbs give you that satisfying crunch to contrast the avocado’s signature creaminess.
These are great as a snack but also superb mixed into a Caprese salad.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a fun way to incorporate avocados into your meals.
Featured recipe
Fried avocado slices
Add a savory note
Bacon-wrapped avocado
Fire up the grill
Grilled avocado
Cajun grilled shrimp
Grilled shrimp are ideal if you want something fancy, but you’re in a rush.
They only need a few minutes to cook, and you can season them in loads of different ways.
This recipe uses a classic Cajun blend for a spicy kick.
Pair your Caprese salad with these Cajun shrimp for a tasty protein boost.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Featured recipe
Cajun grilled shrimp
Fire up the stovetop
Blackened shrimp
Change the flavor
Lemon-garlic marinated shrimp
Grilled peaches
Peaches are one of those summer fruits that taste absolutely phenomenal when grilled.
They soften nicely and their juices caramelize making them extra sweet.
You can use these grilled peaches in the Caprese salad, or as a sweet treat to serve after your main meal – just add ice cream, and you’ve got a winning dessert.
Why we love this recipe: they’re finger-lickingly good.
Featured recipe
Peach halves on the grill
Skip the grill
Honey roasted peaches
Make a classic
Peach cobbler
Easy arugula salad
You can’t really go wrong serving your caprese salad over some basic greens.
The arugula will bring a peppery and slightly bitter taste to your plate, which will cut right through the rich mozzarella.
For a more delicate flavor, use baby arugula.
Why we love this recipe: you only need six ingredients, two for the salad and four for the dressing.
Featured article
Easy arugula salad
Change the greens
Simple spinach salad
Add more veggies
Italian salad
Bacon-wrapped scallops
Turn your Caprese salad into a restaurant-worthy meal with these bacon-wrapped scallops.
The bacon’s salty flavor is an excellent contrast to the slightly sweet and nutty scallops.
Pro tip: since scallops cook fast, this recipe recommends par-cooking your bacon first. You won’t overcook your seafood, and you’ll get crispy bacon.
Why we love this recipe: it’s simple but really impressive.
Featured recipe
Brown sugar bacon-wrapped scallops
Make it fancy
Seared scallops with creamy basil pesto sauce
Make it decadent
Scallop gratin
Veggie burgers
Complete your party spread with a tasty veggie burger.
This particular urger is a chipotle copy, using black beans, rice, cilantro, cumin, and chile powder.
But there are SO many vegetarian burger options to pick from, don’t be put off if this one doesn’t appeal.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a great way to sneak veggies into fussy eaters.
Featured recipe
Black bean burger
Make it meaty
The classic burger
Make it simple
Portabello mushroom burger
Focaccia
Focaccia is the quintessential Italian bread that you simply must try baking at home. Its airy, chewy texture and the delightful crunch of sea salt on top make it irresistible.
Infused with rosemary and a generous drizzle of olive oil, this focaccia is not just bread; it’s a taste of Italy. Enjoy it dipped in balsamic vinegar and olive oil or as a side to your vibrant Caprese salad.
Why we love this recipe: it’s versatile and perfect for sharing.
Featured recipe
Classic rosemary focaccia
Make it unique
Caramelized onion and olive focaccia
Another bread option
Soft garlic herb breadsticks
Mushroom bruschetta
Mushroom bruschetta takes the traditional tomato-based appetizer to new, earthy heights.
Sautéed mushrooms, rich in umami, atop crusty, grilled bread, make for a mouthwatering combination.
A sprinkle of thyme and a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate this dish to a sophisticated level, pairing beautifully with the simplicity of a Caprese salad.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a hearty twist on a classic favorite.
Featured recipe
Garlicky mushroom bruschetta
Make it creamy
Mushroom bruschetta with melted brie
Another veggie option
Roasted pepper bruschetta
Baked ziti
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, with its layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a large group or enjoying as leftovers.
Bake until bubbly and golden for that irresistible cheesy crust and pair with a light Caprese salad to balance the hearty richness of the dish.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a make-ahead dream that’s even better the next day.
Featured recipe
Classic baked ziti
Lighten it up
Turkey and spinach baked ziti
Another cheesy bake
Cheesy eggplant parmesan casserole
Polenta
Polenta, a versatile and comforting dish, is made from ground cornmeal and can be served creamy or grilled.
This creamy version is a delightful base for a variety of toppings, from sautéed mushrooms to marinara sauce. Its mild, buttery flavor makes it a wonderful accompaniment to the bold flavors of a Caprese salad.
For an added touch, stir in some Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory twist.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a cozy and comforting alternative to pasta or bread.
Featured recipe
Creamy Parmesan polenta
Make it crispy
Grilled polenta cakes
Another grain option
Creamy mascarpone risotto
What meat goes with Caprese salad?
Caprese salad is excellent with grilled meats like BBQ grilled chicken and steak. It’s also great with dishes that don’t need grilling, like a pork tenderloin roast, or honey garlic glazed salmon.
Best meat dishes to serve with Caprese salad
- BBQ grilled chicken
- Garlic butter steak bites
- Pork tenderloin roast
- Honey garlic glazed salmon
- Brown sugar bacon-wrapped scallops
- Chicken marsala
What To Serve With Caprese Salad [17 Ideas]
Ingredients
- 1 portion caprese salad
Instructions
- Prepare your caprese salad according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.S
- ide dishes include: raw avocado pesto zucchini noodles, chicken marsala, grilled flank steak with salsa verde, creamy roasted garlic gnocchi, baked fish with lemon garlic butter, no-knead ciabatta bread, grilled flatbread with prosciutto, fried avocado slices, cajun grilled shrimp, grilled peaches, bacon-wrapped scallops, marinated lamb chops, and veggie burgers.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
![25 Delicious Ways To Enjoy Matcha [Sweet And Savory]](https://pantryandlarder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Matcha-recipes-200x200.jpg)
