what to eat with caprese salad

Whether you’re planning a laid-back family dinner, a weekend get-together, or just craving something fresh and beautiful on your plate, these easy pairings make caprese salad the star of the show and part of a complete meal. I hope this post about what to eat with caprese salad gives you a few ideas to mix, match, and make your next meal feel just a little more special—without adding a ton of stress.

what to eat with caprese salad

I love a good Caprese salad. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil—it’s like summer on a plate. But if you’ve ever tried to serve just that to your partner or your toddler, you already know what’s coming: “Where’s the rest of dinner?” 

Even though I could be satisfied with a simple Caprese salad, sometimes we need some backup, which is where this post comes in!  I’m sharing my favorite easy, family-friendly dishes to serve alongside caprese salad (think fresh, flavorful, and not-too-fussy): perfect for weeknight dinners, summer get-togethers, or when you’re just trying to impress your in-laws without sweating through your sundress (not saying I have personal experience with this).

Whether you’re planning a summer lunch, a backyard dinner party, or just trying to jazz up a weeknight, I’ll walk you through my go-to recipes and tips for what to eat with caprese salad so you can build a meal that’s simple, family-friendly, and totally guest-worthy. complement those classic Caprese flavors without stealing the show. 

Classic Caprese Salad

Caprese salad (pronounced cah-preh-zay) is the ultimate “less is more” side dish. It’s a classic Italian dish that lets just a few fresh ingredients shine: juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and usually a touch of salt and pepper. 

That’s it. Simple, fresh, and completely delicious. It’s basically summer on a plate.

The Classic Caprese Ingredients:

• Tomatoes – Ripe tomatoes that are in-season are a must. Think heirloom, cherry, or vine-ripened—anything that’s juicy and sweet. (you can get the best tomatoes at the farmers market). You can use slices of tomatoes or smaller tomatoes like grape or cherry to create visual interest. 
• Fresh mozzarella cheese – The kind that comes in a ball packed in water (skip the shredded stuff here). For more bite sized, opt for mozzarella pearls. 
• Fresh basil leaves – Whole leaves, torn or layered. 
• Olive oil – A good-quality extra virgin olive oil goes a long way. 
• Salt + black pepper – To make the flavors of your fresh ingredients pop. 
• Optional: Balsamic glaze, balsamic reduction, or aged balsamic vinegar – Purists may skip it, but a little sweet-tangy drizzle adds a delicious twist. Balsamic reduction
  
  

  How to Elevate a Caprese Salad 

  
  

Now, if you want to fancy it up just a little—or make it feel more special for guests—you’ve got options. Here are a few of my favorite ways to give this classic a glow-up:

• Use heirloom tomatoes for color and flavor variety. They look gorgeous on a platter!
• Swap in burrata instead of mozzarella. It’s creamier and feels extra luxe (or use both!)
• Layer it up on a big board or platter instead of a bowl—it instantly looks more impressive.
• Add seasonal fruit like peaches, strawberries, cantaloupe or watermelon for a sweet-savory twist.
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling a little fancy.
• Grill the tomatoes to add color and bring out their flavor.  
• Toast some bread to add warmth and texture.

Main Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is light and fresh, which makes it the perfect sidekick to a main dish that adds a little substance. 

Flatbreads or Pizza

Homemade pizza (or store-bought—no judgment here) and flatbreads topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are basically Caprese in pizza form. Add prosciutto, arugula, or a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling fancy.

Grilled Chicken

Simple, juicy grilled chicken breast is a no-brainer here. You can go classic with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, or try something like a balsamic marinade to echo the flavors of the salad. Bonus points if you serve it sliced over the caprese for a deconstructed vibe.

Grilled Steak 

If you’re serving a crowd or want something heartier, grilled steak is a great pairing. The richness of the meat balances the freshness of the salad, and it looks super impressive on a platter with caprese alongside.

Pasta (Hot or Cold)

From garlic butter spaghetti to a pesto tortellini salad, pasta plays well with Caprese. Add some grilled shrimp or roasted veggies and call it dinner.

Baked or Grilled Salmon

Light and flaky, salmon pairs beautifully with tomatoes and basil. A lemon-garlic marinade or a pesto crust ties everything together without a ton of effort.

Easy Side Dishes to Eat with Caprese Salad

Caprese already brings the freshness—so when it comes to sides, you want things that complement those flavors without competing. 

Roasted or Grilled Veggies

Zucchini, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, asparagus—whatever’s in season! A quick roast or grill brings out their sweetness and adds a nice contrast to the cool, fresh salad.

Corn on the Cob

Caprese is already giving summer energy, so why not double down with some corn? Grill it, boil it, or cut it off the cob and toss it with butter, herbs, and maybe a little parm.

Cucumber Salad

If you’re going for a super refreshing meal, cucumber salad is crisp and cooling. Try it with red onion, dill, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of sugar—simple and super satisfying.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Tiny potatoes, roasted until golden and crispy, are a great way to add some comfort to the plate. Toss them with rosemary, garlic, or a little lemon zest to tie them in with the caprese flavors.

Arugula or Mixed Green Salad

If you want to bulk up your greens, a peppery arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a great complement. Add shaved parmesan or pine nuts if you’re feeling extra.

Breads & Grains to Serve with Caprese Salad

Caprese salad is fresh and light, which means it needs some carbs to balance things out (a warm, crusty baguette or a loaf of sourdough is basically non-negotiable here.)

Crusty Bread

Grab a fresh baguette, a rustic Italian loaf, or a big slab of crusty bread and let everyone tear and dip to their heart’s content. No shame in using store-bought here. 

If you’re already serving Italian flavors, why not go all in? A buttery, garlicky loaf of garlic bread is an easy crowd-pleaser and makes caprese salad feel more substantial.

Orzo or Farro Salad

These tiny grains soak up flavor like champs. Toss cooked orzo or farro with olive oil, lemon, veggies, and maybe some feta, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying side that still feels light.

Lemon-Herb Quinoa

If you want a light but protein-packed grain option, quinoa is fresh and fluffy, especially with a little lemon zest, olive oil, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Pita or Focaccia

Flatbreads like pita or focaccia are great for scooping and stacking bites of caprese. Bonus: they’re toddler-friendly and easy to cut into dippable strips.

Soft, fluffy, and loaded with olive oil and sea salt, focaccia is practically made to be eaten alongside caprese. Bonus points if you add rosemary or sun-dried tomatoes to tie it all together.

What to Eat with Caprese Salad: Don’t Forget Drinks and Desserts

Whether you’re hosting friends, doing a little backyard dinner, or just feel like making Tuesday feel special, these drinks and desserts are simple, crowd-pleasing, and totally caprese-approved.

• Lemonade or Sparkling Citrus Water – Bright, zippy, and kid-friendly (just add a splash of prosecco for the grown-ups). 
• White Wine or Rosé – A chilled glass of crisp white wine or dry rosé pairs beautifully with tomatoes and cheese—instant summer dinner party. 
• Iced Tea with Fresh Herbs – Try a lightly sweetened tea with mint or basil for a refreshing twist. 
• Aperol Spritz or Wine Spritzers – Easy, bubbly, and beautiful—especially if you’re feeling a little bit fancy.
• Berries + Whipped Cream – You cannot go wrong here. Make it feel elevated with a splash of vanilla in the cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest. 
• Lemon Bars or Lemon Sorbet – Bright and tart, these cut through the richness of the mozzarella and are the perfect summer finish. 
• Panna Cotta or Vanilla Pudding Cups – A no-bake, make-ahead option that feels fancy but is basically just stirring and chilling. Add a drizzle of honey or a few chopped peaches on top. 
• Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, simple, and toddler-approved. Serve with fruit or just let them shine.

Build Your Caprese Spread

Whether you’re planning a laid-back family dinner, a weekend get-together, or just craving something fresh and beautiful on your plate, these easy pairings make caprese salad the star of the show and part of a complete meal. I hope this post gives you a few ideas to mix, match, and make your next meal feel just a little more special—without adding a ton of stress.

Tried one of these combos? Have your own go-to caprese pairing? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram so I can see your spread.