23 Easy Caprese Recipes That Go Beyond Salad

Want to take a trip to Italy without leaving your kitchen? Whip up these Caprese recipes! They take the classic Caprese salad and turn it into unbelievable creations.

Bursting with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, these recipes are your ticket to paradise. 

From classics to creative spins on beloved staples, there’s a Caprese for every craving.

So grab your apron, and dive headfirst into this Caprese extravaganza!

1.  Classic Caprese Salad

This iconic salad is loaded with tomato slices, mozzarella, basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Ever been to Capri? That’s where Caprese salad was born! Imagine chilling at a seaside cafe, savoring this vibrant salad with a cool Aperol spritz. Pure bliss!

Let’s recreate that bliss right at home! It’s a breeze to make and trust me, it’ll be the star of any party. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, guaranteed!

2. Chopped Caprese Salad

This simple chopped Caprese salad is perfect for sharing with your loved ones. The freshness of basil truly turns this dish into a party favorite.

The irresistible combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella just clicks. And it’s all chopped together, meaning you can practically eat it by the spoonful! 

Remember one crucial tip: balsamic is for the delightful final drizzle, not for mixing. Give it a go and watch the Caprese magic come to life!

3. Roasted Garlic Caprese Grilled Cheese

Craving a heavenly treat for lunch? Try this roasted garlic Caprese grilled cheese! 

Grilled cheese is undeniably comforting, right? This version is fancier, although ‘fancy’ means extra yummy here!

You need juicy, vibrant tomatoes and a head of garlic. Roast them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until sweet and charred. Blend this goodness with basil pesto, and voila!

4. Caprese Pizza

Whip up this Caprese pizza for your next pizza party! With mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze, it’s a classic you can’t resist. 

Try it with whole wheat dough for a healthier spin. Ripe garden tomatoes also make this recipe a star.

And don’t forget the fresh basil! Roll out the dough, top it with fresh delights, and bake it until it’s golden brown. Finish it with a balsamic drizzle, slice it up, and escape to Italy with every bite!

5. Caprese Pasta Salad

Ready for the pasta salad you’ll crave all year long? Say hello to Caprese pasta salad!  Think cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil tossed with your favorite pasta. And the balsamic dressing adds a sweet, tangy twist. 

Enjoy this Southern Italian gem anytime you like!

6. Baked Caprese Chicken

Feast your eyes on baked Caprese chicken, a truly delectable dish! It’s fancy enough to impress guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Juicy chicken is baked with a balsamic glaze and topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato. Sounds heavenly, right? 

It’s a fast, never-boring recipe and makes you look like a master chef! Serve it with pasta and veggies for a meal to remember.

7. Caprese Sandwich

Planning a picnic and need a veggie main dish? Say hello to the Caprese Sandwich. Packed with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella, it’s a pure delight!

This recipe is the epitome of simplicity at its best. It’s made with fresh focaccia, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella.

This sandwich is guaranteed to take any lunch over the top.

8. Quick and Easy Caprese Pasta

If you’re in need of a quick and easy dinner, try this Caprese pasta. It’s brimming with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and is ready in just 15 minutes.

The recipe uses angel hair or capellini, a thin spaghetti that cooks in under 5 minutes. 

It’s perfect as a meatless main or a simple side dish.

9. Caprese Quiche

This mouthwatering Caprese quiche promises to impress at your next brunch. Pair it with a light green salad for the perfect meal. 

The mix of tomatoes, cheese, and basil is irresistible. Use a store-bought crust to whip it up in a flash. 

For a low-carb twist, skip the crust. Just spray the pie pan with cooking spray before adding the egg mix. Easy-peasy!

10. Caprese Chicken Pasta

Caprese chicken pasta is a truly delightful meal. It combines tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a taste of Italian summer. 

The tomatoes burst into a sauce when cooked in olive oil. And when they’re joined by mozzarella and tangy balsamic, no one can possibly resist this dish.

Throw in some chicken for an easy, hearty meal ready to gobble up.

11. Olive Garden Shrimp Caprese

This copycat of Olive Garden’s Shrimp Caprese pasta is a gem. It’s loaded with shrimp, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella in a creamy wine sauce.

It’s like Alfredo sauce went to a fancy wine party. Every bite is a creamy, cheesy dream with a hint of garlic and Italian herbs. The shrimp adds a juicy, sea-kissed sweetness to round everything off. Yum!

12. Caprese Skewers

These Caprese skewers are the perfect mini appetizer. You’ll want every last bite of these mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. 

They’re flavored with olive oil, balsamic, and seasonings! Easy to make and deliciously fresh, these bite-sized treats can be prepared beforehand. 

They’re a playful twist on the classic Caprese salad, packing the same appeal. They’re perfect for any party!

13. Caprese Bruschetta

This Caprese bruschetta is seriously yummy. There’s so much to love, from the garlic toast to the juicy heirloom tomatoes. Oh, and the fresh basil is a welcome addition, too! 

The flavors are simple, but they pop in a big way. Trust me, every bite is a celebration of fresh, real-deal ingredients. It’s a culinary journey you’ll want to take again and again!

14. Caprese Hasselback Chicken

This Caprese Hasselback chicken is a show-stopper.  These chicken breasts are meticulously scored and seasoned. Then, they’re stuffed with mozzarella and tomatoes and baked until they reach perfection. 

After baking, top them with basil and a balsamic reduction for a dish that never disappoints. It’s like having a Caprese salad but with succulent chicken instead. 

You can also pile these stuffed chicken breasts into a baguette for a tasty sandwich. Yum!

15. Tortellini Caprese Salad

Let me tell you about this tortellini Caprese salad. It’s a game-changer! Perfect for any season, it’s like sunshine on a plate. 

Whip up a bowl of cheesy tortellini, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, dancing in a tangy balsamic glaze. The combo is a knockout, trust me! And it only takes 10 minutes.

Boil the tortellini, do a quick chop-chop on the tomatoes, basil, and spinach, and give it a good toss. Perfection!

16. Caprese Sheet Pan Gnocchi

Ready for a twist on the classic Caprese? Toss tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil with gnocchi into a sheet pan dinner! This tasty combo will transform your weeknight meal. Roasting gnocchi is a game-changer. 

Marinated mozzarella balls get creamier in the oven. Top it with a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s a vibrant dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.

17. Caprese Stuffed Salmon with Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes

For a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, try this Caprese-inspired, oven-baked stuffed salmon! It’s packed with tomatoes and mozzarella and baked alongside balsamic roasted tomatoes. This dish is set to become your go-to sheet pan dinner. 

It’s a delicious mix of salmon, brown sugar, balsamic reduction, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s to die for.

18. Caprese Chicken Salad Meal Prep Bowls

Say hello to these vibrant Caprese chicken salad meal prep bowls! They’re your fresh, summer-inspired go-to! 

Who said salad means rabbit food? This recipe has all the classic Caprese delights: mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic. 

Plus, it’s so simple to whip up and lasts for 4 days. Dig in!

19. Red, White, and Blue Caprese Salad

Feast your eyes on this patriotic spin on the traditional Caprese salad. It’s as refreshing as it is colorful. It’s chock full of the classic fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil combo. 

The blue color comes from a handful of blueberries. Tossed with a tangy balsamic glaze, it’s light, zesty, and just the right touch of Italian charm. 

Add a burst of color to your patriotic celebrations with this twist on classic Caprese!

20. Caprese Panini

Craving Mediterranean flavors? Why not bring them to your kitchen with this speedy Caprese panini? This sandwich is loaded with tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto, all nestled between fluffy focaccia bread. 

It’s basically a Starbucks tomato basil sandwich, but made in your own kitchen. Homemade always tastes better, anyway.

21. Caprese Baked Eggs

Looking for a fresh breakfast idea? Try Caprese-style baked eggs! The genius of Italian cuisine shines bright in this recipe. 

This dish pairs fragrant tomato sauce with the freshness of basil. Nestle in eggs and top them with juicy cherry tomatoes and soft bocconcini cheese. 

It’s a little messy but so delicious. Dip crusty bread into that runny egg yolk. It’s pure bliss. 

22. Caprese Omelette

Get excited about brunch with this Caprese omelet! It’s a surefire show-stopper. It’s bursting with balsamic-soaked tomatoes, tangy basil pesto, and gooey mozzarella. 

Whip the eggs to foamy perfection for the fluffiest omelette. Use a nonstick skillet for a seamless flip, and lay the balsamic tomatoes and mozzarella on one side. 

A gentle flip, a quick press, and voila! Drizzle it with more pesto and a sprinkle of mozzarella to serve. Yum!

23. Caprese Mac and Cheese

Have 25 minutes and 10 ingredients? You’re halfway to a scrumptious Caprese twist on classic mac ‘n cheese! 

The sauce is an easy-peasy roux, melting into a cheesy haven of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella. 

Toss in some grape tomatoes and finish with the pièce de résistance: a drizzle of balsamic glaze.