This Keto Caprese Salad is the perfect simple salad for when tomatoes are at the height of the season. Fresh juicy tomatoes play well with creamy fresh mozzarella and avocado. A splash of balsamic vinegar brings everything together with a zippy, refreshing punch. This dish is perfect for when you need a lunch or dinner side that you can throw together in a flash.
Caprese Salad Keto Style!
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I don’t know about you, but Caprese Salad is always a welcome addition to my table.
I love it so much, I’ve been known to make it with cherry or grape tomatoes in the winter when decent tomatoes are hard to find. This time of year, when summer produce is starting to make its appearance (at least here in Florida), it is something I eat several times a week.
It is without question the unchallenged champion of easy meals in my book. I will never get tired of the color, flavor, and vibrancy it adds to the table.
I frequently enjoy this alone for lunch and am mad about it served alongside a simple grilled steak.
Tips for Making Keto Avocado Caprese Salad:
- Try salting the tomatoes before adding them to the salad. It intensifies their meatiness and helps to draw out their juices.
- If you can find – or grow – basil microgreens, they are fabulous in this recipe. They have an intense flavor and are more nutrient dense than regular basil.
- If you are using basil, make sure you put it in water and store it at room temperature. It turns brown when exposed to cold.
Variations for This Recipe:
- Add grilled zucchini slices or eggplant slices.
- Use garlic oil in place of the extra-virgin olive oil.
- Use burrata (the creamiest of all cheeses!) in place of fresh mozzarella.
- Use cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini).
- For a lower carb option, use a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Balsamic vinegar is something you need to be careful with on a keto diet. Provided it is a pure product, you can enjoy it in moderation. (As in this recipe, about 1/2 teaspoon per serving.) . Most balsamic vinegar is fake, and many have added sugars. Make sure you read the label before buying. You can read more about purchasing quality balsamic vinegar here and here.
This is a recipe that I recommend throwing together at the last minute. Tomatoes get mealy when they are stored in the refrigerator, and avocado turns brown too quickly. If you are entertaining you can slice the cheese ahead of time – or make things super easy and buy pre-sliced mozzarella. Tomatoes can be sliced and kept covered at room temperature for an hour or two.
If You Like This Recipe You May Also Like:
Keto Caprese Salad
This Keto Caprese Salad is a great vehicle for showcasing the best of the season. I often make this for a fast and easy lunch, and it also works well as a starter for entertaining. While it tips its hat to a classic Caprese Salad, I’ve made it keto friendly by adding avocado. Perfect for those times when you just need a dish you can throw together in a flash.
Keto Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes heirloom if you can find them
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves or basil microgreens
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Maldon Sea Salt or salt of choice
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- On a serving platter or plates, layer the tomato, mozzarella, avocado, and basil
- Drizzle with olive oil and then balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.
Nutrition
Other Low Carb Tomato Recipes to Try:
- Roasted Tomato Soup from Wholesome Yum
- Oven Roasted Tomatoes from Peace, Love and Low Carb
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