Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad will be your new favorite vegetarian, gluten free, low carb dish! It makes a wonderful side dish or you can easily add shredded chicken to make it a complete meal.
Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad
Isn't this an incredibly beautiful salad? All of my favorites in one dish.
I like to eat salads all year long, but there's just something about a good old, fresh delicious salad in the spring and summer. Obviously ether are a bigger variety of vegetables available, but don't they just seem to taste better in the warmer weather?
With that being said, I also like to keep my salads simple and healthy. I don't want to spend hours chopping and preparing.
I want to make something simple that everyone will love. And you really can not go wrong with a Caprese salad.
If you love Caprese like me, you should try this Gluten Free Caprese Shrimp and Caprese Quinoa Salad!
Why You Should Make This Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad
I make this every summer even more times than I can even count. Sometimes when I don't have as much time I just cut up the raw tomatoes and add them to this salad.
But there is something special about a roasted tomato that really brings out the deep flavor. They taste and smell delicious and takes your typical caprese salad to a whole new level.
I roasted these tomatoes in the skillet because most of the time it's too hot to turn on the oven in summer, but you can easily throw the tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven too.
You can easily add rotisserie chicken or even shrimp to this salad to add some protein. Some of you might even like to add some white beans or chickpeas for some added protein and fiber (if you aren't following a low carb diet).
Recipe Ingredients
- Tomatoes - I have used all types of tomatoes in this recipe but I do think Roma (plum) tomatoes or grape tomatoes work best.
- Avocados - My absolute favorite! Loaded with potassium, healthy fats and fiber, avocados are so versatile and healthy.
- Fresh Mozzarella - This is easy to find in the grocer store and many of them carry already prepared fresh mozzarella balls. You can use the ones in oil or water, both are delicious.
- Fresh basil - Please use fresh basil in this salad, it packs such a flavorful punch.
- Olive oil - I like to use this EVOO for its light taste that makes it perfect for baking and cooking.
- Lemon juice - Nothing eats fresh lemon juice. Nothing.
These ingredients are so simple and they blend together perfectly. One thing I must say is please do not substitute dried basil for fresh basil in this salad.
Normally things like this don't matter much to me but in this salad fresh basil is a necessity.
Trust me on this.
Ok, so I have made this salad probably close to a hundred times, that is not an exaggeration. I personally like the Roma or plum tomatoes best, but you can also use grape tomatoes and slice them in half.
I think it's all about personal preference. Or whatever you have readily available.
Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips
This delicious salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish or even pasta. It's also delicious with scrambled eggs or on top of mixed greens!
Yes! This is just my opinion, but roasting the tomatoes brings out such a robust flavor. Please don't skip this step!
If you do prep this salad ahead of time (which I usually do, especially if I am entertaining) you must add the avocado right before you serve it or it will turn brown. And no one likes brown avocados.
Related Recipes
Low Carb Artichoke Greek Cauliflower Rice Salad from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Keto Avocado Salmon Salad from All Day I Dream About Food
Spinach and Strawberry Salad from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Easy Zucchini Salad from Amee's Savory Dish
Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
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Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 10 Roma or Plum tomatoes
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 cups fresh Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet with olive oil. Chop tomatoes in quarters and place them face down in the skillet for two minutes each side, or untill roasted.
- Peel avocado and remove pit. Chop it in bite-sized pieces.
- Add roasted tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese and avocado to a salad bowl.
- Drizzle over with olive oil and squeeze lemon juice on top, toss gently. Add basil leaves.
- Transfer to a shallow serving bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Due to the simplicity of this salad, top-rate ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and ripe roma tomatoes are a must.
- Oregano is always a good idea with these salads.
- Feel free to use balsamic vinegar or even apple cider vinegar.
- I kept it super simple with just a touch of lemon juice but you can also use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar if you'd like. I have made this with both and they were all very tasty.
- You can also sprinkle a balsamic glaze on top right before serving which is mouthwatering as well.
Kristyn
All my favorite ingredients!! This is such a light, easy to make, but tasty salad!! It's one of the best!!
Allyson Reed Zea
I have this on my regular rotation! It is so tasty!
Lindy
I'm just making this recipe for a church fellowship, and realized that there is lemon juice in the ingredients, but I don't see it in the instructions. Am I missing it? It wouldn't be the first time that's happened. Lol.
Lauren Kelly
I am sorry Lindy! I just added it, it was supposed to be with the olive oil 🙂 Thanks so much!
Amavi Moore
I love this Caprese salad recipe, looks so refreshing and delicious.
Lauren Kelly
Thanks so much!
Valentina
This salad is so light and fresh! Love the idea of having this during the summer time for lunch or dinner!
Lauren Kelly
It's the best! Thank you!
Stephanie
WOW! Why have I never thought of roasting the veggies in a Caprese salad. The flavor is amazing!
Lauren Kelly
It really makes a difference! Thanks Stephanie!
bob
These bigger slices of tomato in this recipe make all the difference! I used to use cherry tomatoes but I have now switched over to the delicious side!
lauren.kelly
So happy you liked it!