Best Caprese Salad with Lettuce

Looking for a fresh lunch option that won’t leave you feeling weighed down during busy afternoons? We’ve all been there – trying to find that perfect balance between light and satisfying, especially when the summer heat makes heavy meals feel like too much to handle. After years of experimenting with different salad combinations, I’ve found that this caprese salad with lettuce hits all the right notes.

The best part? It’s quick to put together, uses ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store, and works perfectly for both casual family dinners and those days when you’re bringing lunch to the office.

What Kind of Lettuce Should I Use?

For this Caprese salad, you’ve got plenty of great lettuce options that can work as your base. A spring mix or mesclun blend adds nice variety in both texture and flavor, while crisp romaine provides a more substantial crunch that holds up well under the other ingredients. If you’re looking for something with a bit more personality, try using peppery arugula or butter lettuce for its soft, tender leaves. Just make sure whatever greens you choose are fresh and crisp – nobody likes wilted lettuce! And here’s a pro tip: if you’re prepping ahead, wait to dress the greens until right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

Options for Substitutions

This fresh salad is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps while keeping its character intact:

• Mixed leafy greens: Any lettuce works here – try romaine, butter lettuce, or even spinach. Arugula adds a nice peppery kick if you want to mix things up.
• Mozzarella balls: Fresh mozzarella is key to a true caprese, but if you’re in a pinch, you could use burrata for extra creaminess, or even a mild feta cheese. Just know it won’t be a traditional caprese.
• Cherry tomatoes: Regular tomatoes work just fine – just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Grape tomatoes are another good option.
• Balsamic reduction: If you don’t have balsamic reduction, mix regular balsamic vinegar with a tiny bit of honey to get that sweet-tangy taste. Start with 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey.
• Fresh basil: Fresh basil is pretty important for a true caprese flavor, but in winter months, you can use a mix of fresh parsley and dried basil if needed.
• Red onion: Shallots make a nice substitute if you want something milder, or you can skip the onion altogether if you’re not a fan.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making a Caprese salad is using cold mozzarella straight from the fridge – letting it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving allows its full flavor and creamy texture to shine through. Another common error is drowning the salad in too much balsamic reduction or olive oil; instead, drizzle them lightly just before serving to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and prevent soggy greens. To keep your lettuce crisp and fresh, make sure to thoroughly dry the leaves after washing, as excess water will dilute the dressing and make your salad limp. For the best flavor combination, tear (don’t cut) the fresh basil leaves just before adding them to the salad, as this prevents browning and releases more of their aromatic oils.

What to Serve With Caprese Salad?

This fresh and light salad makes a perfect starter, but you can easily turn it into a complete meal with a few simple additions. A slice of crusty Italian bread or warm focaccia on the side is perfect for soaking up the olive oil and balsamic at the bottom of the bowl. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside grilled chicken breast or a piece of seared salmon – the fresh flavors of the salad complement any simple protein really well. If you’re keeping things vegetarian, a scoop of cooked quinoa or a bowl of light tomato soup makes this salad feel more filling while still keeping that Mediterranean vibe.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you want to prep this salad ahead, keep all the ingredients separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The lettuce and chopped veggies will stay crisp for 2-3 days, while your mozzarella balls can last up to a week when stored properly.

Prep Ahead: You can wash and chop the lettuce, slice the onions, and cut the cucumber up to 24 hours before serving. Just wrap them in paper towels and store in sealed containers in the fridge. Wait to add the dressing, cheese, and basil until right before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent wilting.

Leftovers: Once dressed, this salad is best enjoyed right away. If you do have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for about a day, but the lettuce might get a bit soggy. For the best taste and texture, I recommend only dressing the portion you plan to eat immediately.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 g

Ingredients

• 5 ounces mixed leafy greens (or chopped lettuce of choice)
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 1/2 a big cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 bunch fresh basil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved if desired
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (or a large mozzarella slice)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction
• Black pepper, freshly ground (as needed)

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by washing and drying the salad greens and other vegetables to ensure they are clean and crisp.

Slice the red onion, cucumber, and basil to your preferred thickness.

Halve the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes for easy mixing and eating.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Pour the prepared greens onto a serving platter or into a large bowl, creating a base for your salad.

Evenly distribute the sliced cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella, and fresh basil over the greens.

To finish, drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entire salad, adding flavor and a beautiful sheen.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately while the ingredients are fresh and vibrant.

If desired, season with a bit of black pepper to taste for an extra kick.

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad!