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12 Delicious Ways You Can Caprese

July 12, 2016
Photo: Lee Harrelson
Caprese, that simple yet classic Italian salad, is usually a combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Caprese salad is quite possibly the most perfect summer combination. When fresh tomatoes are at their peak and basil is bountiful, combine it with fresh mozzarella for a truly refreshing antipasti experience. The traditional Caprese salad needs nothing more than salt, pepper, and olive oil to shine, but we took the combination for a spin in these pasta, sandwich, and grilled recipes. What was the result? Pure Caprese-inspired magic.
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Caprese Salads on a Stick

View Recipe: Caprese Salads on a Stick

Made to resemble the colors of the Italian flag, the trifecta of mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil never goes wrong. Ranging from simple to complex, these 11 recipes bring out the best in Caprese flavor.

First up, a super easy summertime appetizer for last-minute parties, these four-ingredient Caprese Salads on a Stick are a great stand-by dish. Fresh tomatoes and basil combine with little pearls of mozzarella, which is all topped off by a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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Sun Gold Tomato Caprese Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sun Gold Tomato Caprese Salad

We use young heirloom Cherokee Purple tomatoes to balance the intense sweetness of Sun Golds with a little acid and umami depth, but other red cherry tomatoes will work well also.

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California Caprese Bowl

Photo: Hector Sanchez
View Recipe: California Caprese Bowl

What's more refreshing than cubed avocado, mozzarella, and sliced tomatoes? Absolutely nothing! Here, the classic Italian appetizer turns into a riff on the Korean rice dish bibimbap, with a whole-grain upgrade no one will complain about.

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Pesto Pasta Salad With Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Mozzarella

This Caprese-inspired pasta toss is the ultimate summer main for a busy weeknight, outdoor picnic, or lunch on the go. Use yellow and red tomatoes for a stunning presentation and wonderful flavor variety.

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Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Caprese Stacks

What a showcase for garden treasures! Rainbow layers of veggies benefit from extra basil tucked in between for more flavor. Grilling brings out earthy tones that are balanced out by the tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.

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Caprese Pizza

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Caprese Pizza

The classic combination of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and thinly sliced basil never disappoints. Try it on our caprese pizza, for a bright combo of two Italian favorites, ready in just 45 minutes. An ending drizzle of balsamic vinegar brings out wonderful flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation. 

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Caprese Mac and Cheese

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Caprese Mac and Cheese

The classic Italian salad gets a kick of creamy comfort in this deliciously light hybrid recipe. Fast and full of summery goodness, Caprese Mac and Cheese​ can be a main dish for vegetarians. You can use any short pasta you have on hand for this dish, such as large elbows or rotini, instead of the penne pasta.

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Caprese Zucchini

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Caprese Zucchini

Give a summer dish some flair with this Italian-inspired super easy side. Grilling adds deep charred flavor to the zucchini, which pairs well with the bright tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. 

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Caprese Wraps with Chicken

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Caprese Wraps with Chicken

Caprese Wraps with Chicken have all the components of a Caprese salad with the added protein of shredded chicken breast. All wrapped up in a multigrain flatbread, this hearty wrap is just as good on the go as it is when served in your dining room. Pick up a rotisserie chicken to speed up dinner.

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Caprese "Salsa" Zucchini with Sea Salt

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Caprese "Salsa" Zucchini with Sea Salt

Find all the fresh flavor of a Caprese salad with the addition of pan-grilled zucchini in this superfast side dish. For more tender zucchini, leave slices in the pan an extra 1 minute on each side. When the flesh starts to look translucent, the zucchini is done.

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Grilled Zucchini Caprese Sandwiches

Photo: Levi Brown
View Recipe: Grilled Zucchini Caprese Sandwiches

The classic Caprese salad of juicy tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil makes for a fantastic vegetarian sandwich. We've added grilled zucchini to up the game. Gooey mozza puts it over the top. Crunch is key with the bread, but you can sub in a crusty baguette.

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Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: Healthy Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

In this recipe, ​we like the way sweet grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and luscious risotto combine. Caprese salad meets risotto. Anyone else think this might be a lasting union? 

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