What To Serve With Caprese Salad – 20 Best Side Dishes

Caprese salad is one of the easiest and most delicious salads you can make.

It’s so simple, yet so flavorful.

But if you are wondering what to serve with caprese salad, then you have come to the right place.

I’m sharing 20 of the best side dishes to serve with caprese salad.

From grilled vegetables to pasta salads and everything in between, there is sure to be something on this list that will complete your meal.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these sides a try the next time you make caprese salad!

Read Also: Caprese Salad Wine Pairing – Best Wines for Caprese Salads

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Caprese Salad?

Serving side dishes with a Caprese salad can add variety and flavor to the meal.

Here are three reasons why you should consider serving side dishes for Caprese salad:

• To add texture: Side dishes like roasted potatoes, couscous, or quinoa can provide a nice crunchy contrast to the softness of the mozzarella cheese in the Caprese salad.
• To add protein: Serving a side dish such as grilled chicken or fish will help make your meal more filling and nutritious by adding an extra source of protein.
• To add flavor: Adding flavorful sides like pesto pasta or garlic bread will enhance the flavors of your Caprese salad and make it even more delicious!

What To Serve With Caprese Salad – 20 Best Side Dishes

Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish and can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.

The key to finding the perfect accompaniment for this delicious salad is knowing what flavors will best complement it.

Here are twenty great options that will bring out the best in your Caprese salad:

1 – Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a popular breakfast or snack dish made by spreading mashed avocado on toasted bread.

It can be topped with various ingredients such as salt, pepper, chili flakes, lemon juice, olive oil and herbs.

Tips

To make the perfect avocado toast, start by toasting your favorite type of bread until it’s golden brown and crispy.

Spread a generous layer of mashed avocado over the top and season with salt and pepper.

For an extra flavor boost, add some freshly squeezed lemon juice or drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.

2 – Fried Zucchini

Fried zucchini is a classic side dish made by coating slices of zucchini in a light batter and then frying them until golden brown.

The result is a crunchy, flavorful vegetable that pairs well with many main dishes.

Tips

To ensure the best results when making fried zucchini, it’s important to use high-quality oil for frying.

Olive oil or canola oil are both good choices as they have high smoke points and won’t burn easily.

Additionally, be sure to season the batter with salt and pepper before adding the zucchini slices to give them extra flavor.

Finally, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying so that each slice has enough room to cook evenly.

3 – Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish made by mashing boiled potatoes with butter, milk, and seasonings.

The result is a creamy, comforting dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

Tips

To make the best mashed potatoes, start with starchy russet or Yukon Gold potatoes.

Boil them until they’re fork-tender and then mash them with butter and cream for richness.

For extra flavor, add garlic or herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mix.

Finally, season generously with salt and pepper before serving.

4 – Fried Rice

Fried rice is a popular Chinese dish made with cooked rice, vegetables, and proteins such as eggs or meat. It is typically stir-fried in a wok or skillet with oil and seasonings. The result is a flavorful and filling side dish that can be served alongside other dishes or enjoyed on its own.

How To Do It

1. Start by preparing the ingredients before you begin cooking. This includes washing and chopping the vegetables, pre-cooking any proteins (such as chicken or shrimp), and having your cooked rice ready to go.
2. Heat up your wok or skillet over high heat until it’s very hot before adding the oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add in aromatics such as garlic, ginger, scallions, etc., followed by the vegetables and proteins of your choice.
4. Stir fry everything together for several minutes until they are lightly browned but still crisp.
5. Finally, add in the cooked rice along with any sauces or seasonings you want to use (soy sauce works well).
6. Continue stirring everything together for another few minutes until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the fried rice.
7. Serve immediately while hot!

5 – Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with any meal.

They are made by cutting potatoes into cubes, tossing them in oil and seasonings, and then baking them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy.

Cooking Tips

1. Start with starchy potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Golds for best results.
2. Cut the potatoes into even-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
3. Toss the potatoes in oil before adding seasonings to ensure even coverage of flavor throughout the dish.
4. Use a combination of herbs and spices to create unique flavors for your roasted potatoes – try rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, etc..
5. Bake at a high temperature (400°F) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside when pierced with a fork.

6 – Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food made with two slices of bread and melted cheese in between.

It can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.

Cooking Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor – choose good quality bread and cheese that will melt well.
• Butter both sides of the bread before grilling to ensure even browning and a crispy texture.
• Add other ingredients such as bacon, tomatoes, onions, or herbs for extra flavor and texture.
• Cook on low heat so that the cheese melts without burning the bread.
• Flip once during cooking to ensure even browning on both sides of the sandwich.

7 – Chips and Salsa

Chips and salsa is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with Caprese salad.

It consists of chips (usually tortilla chips) served with a spicy tomato-based salsa.

The combination of the crunchy chips and the flavorful salsa makes for an irresistible snack or appetizer.

Cooking Tips

• Choose high-quality ingredients – Use fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs to make your salsa as flavorful as possible.
• Toast the chips – Toasting your tortilla chips in the oven will give them an extra crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy cheese in Caprese salad.
• Adjust spiciness – If you want to add some heat to your salsa, try adding jalapenos or other hot peppers to taste. You can also adjust the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper used in the recipe depending on how spicy you like it!
• Balance flavors – Make sure to balance out all of the flavors in your salsa by adding acidity from lime juice or vinegar and sweetness from honey or sugar if needed.

8 – Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is an Italian-American dish made with chicken cutlets, mushrooms, and Marsala wine.

The chicken is usually dredged in flour and then sautéed until golden brown before being simmered in the Marsala sauce.

It’s a classic side dish that pairs well with many Italian dishes such as pasta or risotto.

How To Do It

1. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Use a good quality dry Marsala wine for best flavor results.
3. Don’t forget to deglaze the pan after cooking the chicken to get all of those flavorful bits off of the bottom of the pan!
4. Add some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor and color contrast in your dish!
5. Serve over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting side dish!

9 – Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Verde

Grilled flank steak with salsa verde is a classic Italian side dish that pairs perfectly with caprese salad.

The flank steak is marinated in garlic, olive oil, and herbs before being grilled to perfection.

It’s then topped with a bright and flavorful salsa verde made from parsley, capers, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Easy Changes

If you’re looking for an easy way to switch up the flavors of this dish without changing the main ingredients too much, try adding some fresh herbs like oregano or basil to the marinade or topping it off with a dollop of pesto instead of salsa verde.

You can also experiment with different cuts of beef such as skirt steak or hanger steak for a more tender texture.

10 – Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi

Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi is a classic Italian side dish made with potato gnocchi, roasted garlic, and cream.

The potatoes are boiled until tender and then mashed into a dough.

The dough is rolled out into thin strips and cut into small pieces called gnocchi.

The gnocchi are cooked in boiling water until they float to the top, then drained and tossed with roasted garlic cloves, butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Serving Tips

Creamy Roasted Garlic Gnocchi can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer.

It pairs well with grilled meats such as steak or chicken breast.

For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mix for added flavor and texture.

To make it even more decadent, top it off with some crispy bacon bits!

11 – Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter

Baked Fish with Lemon Garlic Butter is a classic Italian side dish that pairs perfectly with Caprese salad.

The fish is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and butter before being baked until it’s golden brown and flaky.

The result is a flavorful and moist fish that can be served as an accompaniment to the salad or as its own main course.

Serving Tips

This dish can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.

If serving hot, top the fish with some freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.

For a light meal, serve the fish alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans.

Alternatively, you could pair it with roasted potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.

To make this dish even more special, try adding some capers or olives to the marinade for extra zest!

12 – Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta bread is a type of Italian white bread made with wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. It has a crisp crust and an airy texture inside.

The dough is usually shaped into oblong loaves that are then baked in the oven.

Serving Tips

Ciabatta bread can be served as an accompaniment to Caprese salad or used to make sandwiches.

To serve it as a side dish for Caprese salad, slice the ciabatta into thick slices and toast them lightly in the oven or on a grill pan until golden brown.

Serve alongside the salad with some extra-virgin olive oil for dipping.

For sandwiches, cut the ciabatta into thin slices and spread with your favorite toppings such as pesto, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and prosciutto crudo.

13 – Grilled Flatbread with Prosciutto

Grilled flatbread with prosciutto is a classic Italian side dish.

It consists of thin slices of prosciutto, grilled on top of a flatbread that has been brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs.

The combination of the salty prosciutto and the crunchy, herbed bread creates an irresistible flavor combination.

Serving Tips

This dish can be served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.

To make it even more flavorful, try adding some fresh mozzarella cheese to the top before grilling.

For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken instead of pork for the meat topping.

Serve this delicious side dish alongside your favorite Caprese salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal!

14 – Fried Avocado Slices

Fried avocado slices are a delicious side dish that is perfect for serving alongside a classic Italian Caprese salad.

The avocado slices are lightly coated in flour and then fried until golden brown and crispy.

The result is an irresistible combination of creamy, crunchy texture with a hint of garlic and herbs.

Serving Tips

Fried avocado slices can be served as-is or topped with your favorite condiments such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

They also make a great addition to salads or sandwiches.

For the best results, serve them warm from the fryer so they stay crisp and flavorful.

15 – Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Cajun grilled shrimp is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with caprese salad.

It consists of large, succulent shrimp marinated in a spicy blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection.

The result is a flavorful and juicy dish that adds an extra kick to any meal.

Serving Tips

To make the most out of this delicious side dish, serve it alongside your caprese salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

For added flavor, top the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, try adding some cooked quinoa or couscous to the plate as well.

Finally, don’t forget to pair it all with a glass of crisp white wine!

16 – Grilled Peaches

Grilled peaches are a delicious side dish that can be served with Caprese salad.

They are made by slicing fresh peaches in half, brushing them with olive oil, and grilling them until they are lightly charred and tender.

The result is a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the classic flavors of the Caprese salad.

Serving Tips

To serve grilled peaches as a side dish for Caprese salad, slice the peaches into wedges or halves and brush them lightly with olive oil before grilling.

Serve warm or at room temperature alongside the salad.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs over the top such as basil or oregano.

You can also add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to bring out even more sweetness from the grilled fruit.

17 – Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a classic Italian side dish that combines the peppery flavor of arugula with other ingredients such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil.

It is often served as an accompaniment to Caprese salad or other Italian dishes.

Serving Tips

To make a delicious arugula salad, start by washing and drying the leaves.

Then combine them with diced tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.

For added flavor, you can also add some chopped fresh basil or oregano.

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best results.

18 – Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops are a classic Italian side dish that combines the sweet, briny flavor of scallops with the smoky, salty flavor of bacon.

The combination is simple yet delicious and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

Serving Tips

To make this dish, wrap each scallop in a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Then, bake them in the oven until the bacon is crisp and golden brown.

Serve them hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over top.

For an extra special touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over top before serving.

19 – Veggie Burgers

Veggie burgers are a type of vegetarian burger made from vegetables, grains, and legumes.

They are usually served as an alternative to traditional beef or turkey burgers.

The ingredients used in veggie burgers vary widely, but they typically include some combination of beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, onions, carrots, peppers and spices.

Serving Tips

Veggie burgers can be served on a bun with all the usual toppings like lettuce and tomato or even cheese if desired.

They can also be served without a bun as part of a salad or wrap.

For added flavor and texture try adding condiments such as ketchup or mustard or topping with avocado slices or salsa.

Veggie burgers can also be grilled for extra flavor and crunchiness.

20 – Roasted Veggies

Roasted vegetables are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with caprese salad.

Roasting is a simple cooking method that involves tossing vegetables in oil and seasoning, then baking them in the oven until they’re tender and lightly browned.

The high heat of the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating a delicious flavor.

Serving Tips

When serving roasted veggies as a side to caprese salad, it’s best to choose vegetables that will complement the flavors of the salad.

Try roasting bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms or onions for an earthy flavor; or tomatoes and garlic for an Italian twist.

For added texture and crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over your roasted veggies before serving.

FAQ

What meat goes with caprese salad?

Caprese salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken, salmon, steak, or shrimp. You can also add cooked bacon for a salty flavor and crunchy texture. If you want to make it vegetarian-friendly, try adding roasted chickpeas or white beans for protein.

What wine goes with caprese salad?

A good wine to pair with caprese salad is a dry white, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines’ crisp acidity and light body are ideal for the fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese in the salad. Sparkling wines like Prosecco also work well with this dish.

What dressing goes with caprese salad?

The classic dressing to serve with caprese salad is a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Alternatively, you can make a more flavorful dressing using olive oil, garlic, oregano, and basil. For extra flavor, add some honey or freshly squeezed lemon juice.

What cheese goes with caprese salad?

The best cheese to use in caprese salad is fresh mozzarella. The creamy texture and mild flavor work perfectly with the other ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and basil leaves. Other types of cheese that can be used include burrata, feta, or ricotta salata.

What bread goes with caprese salad?

A classic Italian bread is the perfect accompaniment to a caprese salad. Ciabatta, focaccia and baguettes are all excellent choices. If you’re looking for something a bit more creative, try adding some freshly baked French rolls or garlic knots!

What fish goes with caprese salad?

The best fish to serve with caprese salad is salmon. Salmon pairs nicely with the fresh flavor of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil in a caprese salad. Other suitable options include whitefish, tuna or trout.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Caprese salad is a light and refreshing dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes.

From avocado toast to grilled flank steak with salsa verde, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The best side dishes to serve with Caprese salad are avocado toast, fried zucchini, mashed potatoes, fried rice, roasted potatoes, grilled cheese sandwich, chips and salsa, chicken marsala, grilled flank steak with salsa verde, creamy roasted garlic gnocchi, baked fish with lemon garlic butter, and ciabatta bread.

These sides are all delicious and easy to prepare, making them perfect for a quick and easy summer meal.