10-Minute Keto Caprese Salad

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.   A splash of balsamic vinegar brings everything together with a zippy, refreshing punch.  While it tips its hat to a classic Caprese Salad, I've made this Caprese salad keto by adding avocado, which helps to balance out the macros.  Give it a try, and you will be hooked.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Use vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes when tomatoes are at their height of season. Other times of year, smaller tomatoes such as plum tomatoes or even cherry tomatoes are a nice alternative.
• Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is a must.
• Avocado: Optional but definitely recommended! Avocado adds a creamy texture and flavor that takes this caprese salad over the top. Plus, it helps tip the scales of the macros for this recipe, keeping this caprese keto friendly.
• Basil: I like to use either fresh basil leaves or basil microgreens when possible. However, dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
• Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar: These two ingredients are key for adding flavor and depth to this salad. This is the time to pull out the good stuff!
• Maldon Sea Salt or salt of choice: For me, nothing completes a dish quite like Maldon Sea Salt. It provides just the right amount of crunch and flavor to this caprese salad.
• Fresh ground black pepper: A pinch of freshly ground black pepper is all you need for this recipe - any more will overpower the other flavors.

Step by Step

First, start by layering the tomatoes, mozzarella, and avocado on a serving platter or individual plates.

Next add the basil leaves.

Then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy your keto tomato mozzarella salad!

Variations for This Recipe:

• Add grilled zucchini slices or eggplant slices for a heartier dish that will keep this caprese salad keto friendly.
• 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.

Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?

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.