Caprese salad is like the cool kid at the party-simple, fresh, and always a hit! T1We all know those classic layers of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil (a traditional Italian trio from Campania, Italy).
It's a combination that just works.
But sometimes, we want to spice things up a bit. We've been there, reaching for our boring sides and wondering what else will complement our Caprese.
Let's switch things up! We've gathered 13 side dishes that go well with Caprese salad.
Forget the usuals; let's find options that'll make our salad sing. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these tasty accompaniments!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Caprese Salad
Here are some tempting and unexpected pairings for your next Caprese salad:
1 - Garlic Herb Bruschetta
Garlic herb bruschetta is a classic that never gets old, featuring grilled bread topped with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Toasted bread meets a simple yet packed topping of tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs.
We love how the rustic crunch balances the juicy tomatoes.
The garlic gives a punch while olive oil smooths everything out. Each bite feels like summer on a plate.
Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to finish it off.
It's perfect alongside our Caprese salad and pairs nicely with side dishes for garlic butter shrimp.
2 - Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Stuffed cherry tomatoes are like little flavor bombs in bite-sized form. We love how juicy and sweet they taste, especially when they're fresh.
They can be filled with anything from creamy cheese to zesty herbs, giving us a mix of textures and flavors with every bite, try a 1:1 ricotta-to-Parmesan filling for a creamy, slightly salty bite. The burst of tomato combined with a cheesy or herbaceous filling creates a perfect balance.
3 - Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is like summer on a stick (sweet corn, Zea mays). The smoky char gives it a fantastic flavor.
We love how the kernels burst with sweetness.
A little butter and sprinkle of salt transform it into a classic side. Each bite is crunchy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
This side is perfect alongside our Caprese and it's hard to resist going back for seconds; it also pairs well with side dishes for grilled salmon.
4 - Lemon Parmesan Orzo
Lemon parmesan orzo is downright zesty! This dish combines creamy cheese with a bright burst of citrus.
Orzo, those cute little pasta grains, soak up all the flavors, making every bite refreshing (orzo is a rice-shaped pasta made from durum wheat).
We love how it goes with the freshness of Caprese salad without overpowering it, and it complements light lemon pound cake sides.
Subtle yet flavorful, it's a side that fits any meal!
5 - Marinated Artichoke Hearts
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Marinated artichoke hearts are a tangy twist we can't resist (made from globe artichoke, Cynara cardunculus). They bring a punchy, zesty flavor that livens up any dish.
The marination adds depth, with hints of garlic and herbs that make each bite pop.
These little gems are tender and juicy, perfect for salads or as a snack. Their unique texture pairs really well with the freshness of Caprese salad.
They are simple yet unforgettable every time we enjoy them.
6 - Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts bring sweet and tangy vibes to our meal (made with balsamic vinegar, often from Modena, Italy). The glaze wraps each sprout in a mix of rich balsamic and a hint of sweetness, creating a flavor explosion.
They go well with the fresh elements of Caprese salad, improving each bite, and pair nicely with side dishes for honey glazed salmon.
Who knew veggies could taste this good?
7 - Pesto Pasta Salad
We love pesto pasta salad because it combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors, featuring basil (Ocimum basilicum) pesto. The creamy pesto coats each pasta piece, adding a savory garlic kick.
We balance it with cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop and pine nuts for a lovely crunch. Each bite is a nice mix of herbaceousness and richness, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Serve it chilled or warm, and it's a fantastic side for practically any meal!
8 - Grilled Eggplant Slices
Grilled eggplant slices bring a lovely smoky flavor (eggplant, Solanum melongena). Their soft texture absorbs marinades beautifully, making each bite a pop of deliciousness.
We love a little olive oil and rosemary drizzled on top before hitting the grill. The result?
A savory veggie side that complements just about anything. Their earthy taste goes super well with fresh Caprese, adding just the right mix of comfort and zing.
9 - Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms
Balsamic glazed mushrooms are a real treat. They have a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor that makes each bite pop.
The balsamic vinegar caramelizes beautifully, creating an irresistible sticky coating when reduced into a glaze, concentrating the vinegar's sweetness.
We love how tender and juicy they get, soaking up all the glaze.
They make a fantastic side dish next to Caprese salad, adding depth and richness without overpowering it. Perfect for mushroom lovers or anyone wanting to amp up their meal!
10 - Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade is our kind of spread! (a Provencal mix of olives, capers, and often anchovies) Packed with briny olives, garlic, and olive oil, it brings a tangy flavor that adds layers to any dish.
We love to slather it on crusty bread or dollop it right onto our Caprese salad.
The mix of textures feels both rich and refreshing. Every bite is a savory explosion that balances perfectly with the freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella.
11 - Roasted Garlic Potatoes
Roasted garlic potatoes are a simple gem that we can't resist! (try Yukon Golds for creaminess or russets for crisper edges) The garlic brings a warm, aromatic flavor that goes with the crispy exterior.
They're fluffy on the inside, creating a perfect contrast with the crunch.
A sprinkle of herbs enhances the taste, making each bite memorable. We love their subtle richness, which pairs excellent with Caprese salad, adding a filling element to our meal.
These potatoes never fail to impress!
12 - Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters? Oh, we love these crispy bites!
They're packed with fresh zucchini and paired with herbs and spices for a bright flavor (zucchini is a summer squash, Cucurbita pepo). The outside is golden and crunchy, while the inside is soft and savory.
Each fritter carries a hint of garlic and onion that brightens the dish. Dipping them in yogurt or sour cream adds a cool creaminess that goes with the fritters perfectly!
These are a fantastic side dish that feels light yet oh-so-satisfying.
13 - Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a party on a stick. With fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, these bites deliver a pop of flavours (try mozzarella di bufala for a richer taste).
The crunch from the tomatoes pairs delightfully with the smooth cheese.
We love to drizzle some balsamic glaze for that sweet tanginess. These skewers are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
They add a bright splash to any spread and always look fantastic on a platter.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
