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Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Classic and elegant Caprese Salad with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar reduction.

Caprese Salad in concentric circles with Balsamic Reduction drizzled on top and fresh basil in ceter

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Sometimes the best things in life are the simple, right? This Caprese salad combines just a few fresh ingredients but when they all come together, they create a beautiful and refreshing salad fit for every day or for an elegant dinner!

Not only is this salad simple and delicious, it’s absolutely beautiful! It has all the same vibrant and eye catching colors of the Italian flag!

balsamic reduction being spooned out of glass jar with salad in background

One of the key attractions in this Keto Caprese Salad recipe is a thick and robust homemade balsamic reduction dressing. It’s intensity compliments the subtleness of the salad so well, it’s the perfect marriage of flavors.

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction being drizzled over top

You can serve this Caprese Salad recipe as a Keto side dish or as a hearty Keto appetizer. The refreshing combination of juicy tomatoes, the soft and mild texture of sliced mozzarella with a fresh touch the basil makes one salad that is sure to please! Also be sure to try this Burrata Caprese that uses burrata cheese, it’s absolutely delicious!

What’s in Keto Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Keto Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Add the balsamic vinegar and allulose (optional) to a saucepan and whisk to combine. Simmer on low heat, whisking often, for 12-15 minutes, or until reduced by half.

balsamic vinegar in saucepan

Do not rush this step or you run the risk of burning the vinegar, then you’ll have to start all over with a fresh batch.

balsamic vinegar in saucepan reduced

While the balsamic is reducing, wash and slice up the tomatoes.

tomatoes sliced on cutting board with knife

Slice up the mozzarella cheese and get your basil leaves ready.

mozzarella cheese sliced on cutting board

Add the tomato slices to a large plate, overlapping each other in a circle. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese and basil leaf in between each slice of tomato.

Caprese Salad without dressing

Drizzle with olive oil, grind some fresh black pepper and add a generous sprinkling of flaked sea salt over the top.

Caprese Salad with olive oil, salt and pepper on top

Once the balsamic reduction is ready, allow to cool before drizzling over the tops of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Serve immediately.

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction being drizzled over top

Store leftovers in an airtight container for several days in the fridge. Store any leftover balsamic reduction in an airtight jar for up to 1 month.

balsamic reduction being spooned out of glass jar with salad in background

Can I Make Keto Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes?

You certainly can. A fun spin on the larger Caprese salad version, is to use mini mozzarella balls cut in half, some julienned basil, cherry tomatoes cut in half then toss it with a little of the same balsamic reduction. You can even serve it this way on skewers for cute little appetizers.

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction on white plate

Do I Have to Use Balsamic Vinegar on Caprese Salad?

If you don’t have time to make the balsamic glaze or if you just do not prefer balsamic vinegar, you can use a little white wine vinegar and olive oil. You can even drizzle some of this Homemade Pesto over the top for added flavor.

But trust me, once you try this decadent balsamic reduction, you’ll want to use it on everything!

Caprese Salad closeup on white plate

Can I Have Caprese Salad on Keto?

Caprese salad is perfectly fine on Keto. Tomatoes can sometimes get a bad rap for having too many carbs. But because Caprese salad is so simple and has few other ingredients, it compares in carbs equally to many other side salads.

If you like burrata cheese, try this burrata caprese salad! It’s also Keto friendly and is also quick and easy to make!

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction closeup of basil on top

Caprese Salad FAQ’s

  • Why is it called Caprese Salad? Caprese salad got it’s name from its origin, Capri, an island off the coast of Naples, Italy.
  • What type mozzarella is best for Caprese salad? Burrata, buffalo or any type of fresh, soft mozzarella will make the perfect Caprese.
  • What dressing is best on a Caprese Salad? I think you’ll guess my favorite is the homemade Balsamic Reduction, but honestly, you can use red wine vinegar with olive oil or any vinegar you prefer. You can use a Creamy Italian Dressing over it if you prefer those flavors. You can even leave the dressing off all together opting for just a little salt and pepper.
  • Which type of tomatoes are used in Caprese salad? The only real answer to this question is ripe tomatoes. Because there are few ingredients in the salad, with tomatoes taking front and center, you’ll want to use really ripe and juicy tomatoes. You can use roma, vine ripe, heirloom or any tomato you love. They will all be equally as delicious.
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction on white plate

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Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction on white plate

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

Classic and elegant Caprese Salad with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and basil drizzled with a sweet balsamic vinegar reduction.
5 from 48 votes
Author: Julianne
Servings 8
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 12 minutes
TOTAL 22 minutes

Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • Add the balsamic vinegar and allulose to a saucepan and whisk to combine. Simmer on low heat, whisking often, for 12-15 minutes, or until reduced by half. Do not rush this step or you run the risk of burning the vinegar, then you'll have to start all over with a fresh batch.
  • While the balsamic is reducing, wash and slice up the tomatoes. Slice up the mozzarella cheese and get your basil leaves ready.
  • Add the tomato slices to a large plate, overlapping each other in a circle. Add a slice of mozzarella cheese and basil leaf in between each slice of tomato.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, grind some fresh black pepper and add a generous sprinkling of flaked sea salt over the top. Once the balsamic reduction is ready, allow to cool before drizzling over the tops of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Serve immediately.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for several days in the fridge. Store any leftover balsamic reduction in an airtight jar for up to 1 month.

Recipe Notes

The balsamic reduction makes enough for 2 Caprese salads, so you will half the batch leftover.  Macros are calculated based on half the batch, used in one salad.

*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.

Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Calories 186kcal
Nutrition Facts
Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Amount per Serving
Calories
186
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Carbohydrates
 
5
g
2
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
11
g
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.

© Copyright for Keto Cooking Christian LLC. Please use the share buttons to share on social media, but please do not copy/paste the recipe.

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5 from 48 votes (42 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Tomato and mozzarella has to be one of my new favorite combinations, and before this I had no idea they worked so well together! The salad was so bright and colorful, and the balsamic was delicious too!

  2. 5 stars
    I never used allulose confectioners to make balsamic reduction before and I’m so happy to have tried it even though you list it as optional. I think the reduction came out so shiny and perfectly syrupy as a result! It was fantastic – thank you!

  3. 5 stars
    This caprese salad recipe is such a game-changer! It is packed with flavors that I really love, and the balsamic reduction dressing is irresistible!

  4. 5 stars
    Thank you for providing a recipe for a healthier balsamic reduction! This salad was delicious and I felt good about serving it to my family

    1. You are so welcome and it’s definitely a bonus when you feel good about feeding your family such a healthy dish!

  5. 5 stars
    Nothing is more quintessential summer than a fresh caprese salad like this. The juicy tomatoes go perfectly with the creamy mozzarella. Love this easy balsamic reduction too!

    1. I completely agree, it’s like summer on a plate! I’m glad you loved the balsamic reduction too!

    1. Thank you! These colors are always so eye catching which makes this salad so much fun to serve at get-togethers.