Fresh Italian Caprese Salad ( A Salad You Shouldn’t Refrigerate!)

Name: Fresh Italian Caprese Salad (Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free & Grain-Free)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 Pound Roma Tomatoes, chopped; 8 Ounces Fresh Soft Mozzarella di Bufala, chopped; 0.5 Ounces Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped; ¼ Cup Shamelessly Delicious Sicilian Salad Dressing

(Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, & Grain-Free)

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One of the easiest salads I know how to make is the Caprese salad. It’s possible that it is my favorite salad to eat because it’s so easy to make! Or maybe it’s because it is an Italian salad, and I love all things Italian!

Either way, this is the perfect salad to make in the late summer months when tomatoes are plentiful!

But did you know that this salad isn’t really all that old?

Only 100 Years Old?!

The story has it that this salad originated in the early 1920s. A patriotic mason was said to have created the dish as a tribute to Italy, by visually incorporating the colors of the country’s flag into its presentation.

Tomato slices, mozzarella cheese slices and basil leaves layered on a white plate, drizzled with olive oil.

The Caprese salad became especially popular after being enjoyed by King Farouk in the 1950s, when the King was served a Caprese sandwich. The salad soon became a staple of Capri food and culture and the rest is history!

What’s In A Classic Caprese Salad?

Caprese salads can be served a few different ways. Traditionally, slices of tomato and bufala mozzarella have been laid on a plate in a decorative fashion. Olive oil or balsamic vinegar is then drizzled on top and the salad is finished with a sprinkle of basil leaves.

Alternatively, the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil leaves can be chopped and tossed in a bowl with dressing.

Chopped tomato, mozzarella cheese and basil leaves combined in a metal bowl with Shamelessly Delicious Sicilian Salad Dressing.

I have chosen the latter style of serving this salad! Personally, I think it is easier to eat when everything is already chopped. Especially if you are a parent with lots of little mouths to feed!

This version of Caprese salad includes the following 4 ingredients:

Roma Tomatoes
Fresh Soft Mozzarella di Bufala
Fresh Basil Leaves
Shamelessly Delicious Sicilian Salad Dressing, or your favorite Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Balsamic Vinegar.

Four tomatoes, mozzarella cheese basil leaves, and Shamelessly Delicious Sicilian Salad Dressing displayed on a wooden cutting board.

How Long Will It Last?

I make a lot of salads and store them in the refrigerator and eat them all week long, just adding salad dressing before eating. But this is one salad that you will want to eat immediately!

One tidbit is that tomatoes should not be refrigerated, or at least, not if they are raw.

Tomatoes, cuccumber and peppers stored on a countertop in a wooden bowl near a window.

According to research by the University of Florida Horticultural Sciences Department, the ideal temperature for ripening tomatoes is 65°F to 75°F. Cooling tomatoes below 55°F will cause them to lose volatile chemicals that are responsible for tomato flavor and fragrance. Chilling tomatoes may also cause a loss of firmness. Therefore, it is best to store raw tomatoes uncovered on the countertop and eat them right away, when slicing or dicing them.

Cooling tomatoes below 55°F will cause them to lose volatile chemicals that are responsible for tomato flavor and fragrance.

When I make this salad, I try to only make enough to consume that same day. If need be, the salad can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. However, it tends to lose a bit of tomato flavor and gets soggy, which is not ideal.

If you have 10 or 15 minutes, this is an excellent, tasty addition to any meal. It especially compliments meals in the late summer and early fall months. Try it along-side some Easy Baked Italian Chicken or Chicken Saltimbocca to bring a little Italian cuisine into your home!

Fresh Italian Caprese Salad (Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free & Grain-Free)

Do you love all things Italian? Then you'll love this Fresh Italian Caprese Salad! This easy salad especially compliments meals in the late summer and early fall months. Yum!

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings 8

Calories 139.7 kcal

Equipment

Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Medium Bowl
Measuring Cup
Mixing Spoon

Ingredients

1 Pound Roma Tomatoes, chopped
8 Ounces Fresh Soft Mozzarella di Bufala, chopped
0.5 Ounces Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
¼ Cup Shamelessly Delicious Sicilian Salad Dressing

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine.
Serve immediately.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Tip: This salad is best eaten immediately. Raw tomatoes should not be refrigerated, as refrigeration changes the flavor of the tomato. Also, this salad tends to get soggy after a day or two.

Nutrition Facts (SparkPeople.com)

8 Servings

Amount Per Serving:

Calories 139.7
Total Fat 9.7 g
Saturated Fat 4.6 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 30.0 mg
Sodium 137.3 mg
Potassium 224.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12.4 g
Dietary Fiber 1.2 g
Sugars 2.8 g
Protein 5.9 g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

How do you serve your Caprese salad? And what is your favorite dish to serve it with? Please share below.

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Jillian

Hi, I'm Jillian! Jillian's World is about natural living, having fun with your kids and eating well. It's packed with ways to be healthier in mind, body and spirit. I'm so glad you're here!