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Summer salads require two things: fresh flavors and minimal effort! And, low carb salads like this chopped Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes are meant to be enjoyed outside. With all the elements of classic Caprese salad, this one passes the summer salad test. The flavors are light and refreshing (like caprese salad skewers made into a full side dish). Plus, you can make this avocado Caprese salad recipe with just 7 simple ingredients! Keto Caprese salad FTW!
I know a lot of people say that they get tired of eating salads, and that is what inspired me to create this avocado Caprese salad! There is nothing boring about these flavors, and the best part is that it’s HEALTHY!
I love to make easy low carb salads that taste great, and this one is the perfect opportunity to incorporate summer produce at its peak.
What Is Caprese Salad?
Caprese salad is an Italian style salad that has become pretty well known. Traditionally, chopped Caprese salad is full of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and olive oil. It was invented in the 1950s because it’s an amazing dish to make with fresh garden tomatoes.
My version of chopped Caprese salad has my own spin on these classic flavors. And avocado, because, well it’s avocado!
Caprese Salad Ingredients
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Cherry or grape tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Avocado
- Fresh basil
Want to make caprese more of a meal? Try chicken caprese salad instead!
How To Make Caprese Salad
Ready to see how to make Caprese salad? It doesn’t get any easier. We’ll make the balsamic reduction first, then make up the salad.
- In a small saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar. Simmer until the balsamic has thickened and reduced. This adds amazing flavor, so don’t skip the reduction step! You can also buy already reduced balsamic vinegar, but make sure that it doesn’t have any added sweetener in it.
PRO TIP: The balsamic reduction will continue to thicken after you remove it from the stove. So, you want to stop heating when it’s a bit thinner than you think you’ll need.
- Make the dressing. Whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Mix salad. Carefully toss in the tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Caprese Salad With Cherry Tomatoes Variations
This is the best Caprese salad with balsamic already! But, here are some ideas if you want to make some additions:
- Chicken – Dice up a grilled chicken breast and add to the avocado Caprese salad for some added protein. Sounds like the perfect summer lunch to me!
- Bacon – No one says you have to be traditional all the time! Cook up some bacon in the oven, crumble it, and toss it in.
- Olives – They add a nice tangy flavor to the chopped Caprese salad.
Do I Have To Use Balsamic Vinegar In Keto Caprese Salad?
No, you don’t have to use balsamic vinegar in keto Caprese salad. The original Caprese salad recipe didn’t call for balsamic vinegar at all, just a drizzle of olive oil.
So, if you don’t love balsamic, it’s okay to leave it out. I think it adds amazing flavor and depth, but you can make adjustments to meet your needs.
Is Caprese Salad Healthy?
Yes, chopped Caprese salad is very healthy! This Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes is loaded with vegetables and protein, zinc, vitamin B12, beta-carotene, potassium, and more.
Enjoy this avocado Caprese salad as an appetizer or main dish because you will be getting lots of nutrient-rich ingredients.
How Do You Store Keto Caprese Salad?
Store Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last 2-3 days if it’s properly stored and makes wonderful leftovers.
This is the best Caprese salad recipe because you can also make it ahead for meal planning.
What To Serve With This Caprese Salad Recipe
There are so many delicious low carb main dishes that will go perfectly with this Caprese salad recipe. You won’t regret trying any of these ideas:
- Sirloin Steak In The Oven
- The Best Juicy Burgers
- Paleo Chipotle Baked Turkey Burgers
- The Best Chimichurri Chicken
- Stuffed Banana Peppers
Tools To Make Chopped Avocado Caprese Salad
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Whisk – I love this utensil set because they are all super easy to clean and use. Plus, they have bamboo handles.
- Spoon Rest – It’s not required, but having a spoon rest sure helps keep the kitchen organized and clean. Worth it!
- Serving Bowl – This set of serving bowls are amazing because you can bake in them, serve food in them, or mix ingredients. They are practically the only bowls you need.
Easy Chopped Avocado Caprese Salad Recipe - Cherry Tomatoes
Easy Chopped Avocado Caprese Salad Recipe - Cherry Tomatoes
The simplest, easy chopped Caprese salad recipe with 7 ingredients! Once you see how to make avocado Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, you'll make this naturally healthy, keto salad over and over... and over.
Recipe Video
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Pour the balsamic vinegar into a very small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, keeping it at a low simmer but not boiling. Simmer until slightly thickened but still pourable, and volume has reduced to about 1/3 cup. (This is balsamic reduction - it will thicken as it cools, so don't let it thicken too much when hot.)
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When the balsamic reduction is ready, let it cool to room temperature.
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Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
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Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, and fresh basil. Toss to coat. Drizzle the entire salad with 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction. (You can save the rest for another use.)
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Recipe Notes
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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23 Comments
Moe
0How many servings does this recipe make?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Moe, As written this recipe makes 4 servings.
MARY K THEIS
0Simple and delicious, perfect summer food!
Deb berris
0I love this refreshing salad. Adding the avocado makes it richer and more satisfying. I didn’t mix mine too much as I enjoy the separate flavors with the dressing. What a lovely lunch!
Anne Lawton
0Caprese salad is one of my favorites in the summer, I love that you added avocados to it!
Chihyu
0OMG! That was amazing! I can smell the yummy flavor now!
Katie
0I love everything about this recipe! What a great idea, adding avocado to a caprese salad. YUM!
Jennifer Fisher
0It is absolutely delicious — I love how easy it is to throw together
Farah
0I love fresh mozzarella! It made the perfect pairing with avocado and tomatoes!
Shashi
0YUM – Such a flavorful and filling summer salad!
Suzy
0I love fresh salads like this and will be making it again soon!
Jere Cassidy
0This is such a good salad for summer when all those tomatoes are ripe. I love caprese anything.
Veena Azmanov
0This Salad is colorful and crunchy. Love the flavors to making the dressing. Avocado is one of my favorite too.
Jacque Hooper
0This was such a light and flavorful salad for lunch today! Love the balance of the tomatoes and avocado; yum!
Chef Mireille
0What a bright, beautiful and healthy salad. In the summertime, I am always looking for new and interesting salad ideas. This looks like one I definitely need to try.
Jacquelyn Hastert
0Tomatoes will be coming in soon and this is a great way to use them up! I love the combination of fresh tomatoes and avocados.
Wilhelmina
0This salad has all my favorite summer flavors!
Heidy L. McCallum
0I loved this salad- made it for lunch today and waited to add the avocado until I was ready to eat. PERFECT! Will be making more often.
Marjory
0This recipe never gets old – I love pairing it with chicken or shrimp for an easy dinner!
Elaine
0Great summer salad – no doubt in that! It is easy to make and I am sure it tastes amazing. Can’t wait to try it out – thank you!
Sara Welch
0Wow! I know what I will be having for lunch tomorrow; this looks like a restaurant worthy recipe, indeed!
Anita
0Caprese salad is the best during summer. I love the simple pairing of tomatoes (which are in season) and mozzarella balls. This version with added avocado makes the already delicious salad into something even more special.
Sues
0I love caprese salads, but love them even more when there’s avocado involved!! The colors in this are so fab and make me want to pour a glass of white wine and enjoy dinner on the deck 🙂