Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad Recipe

Caprese salad gets a makeover with green tomatoes and grilled goodness! Your summer picnic isn’t complete without this fresh and flavorful side dish that’s simple, satisfying and seasonal. Featuring grilled green tomato slices, creamy mozzarella cheese, herbaceous basil and a drizzle of balsamic dressing, this Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad is a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to impress your guests.

Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a side to complement a grilled main dish, this caprese salad offers a fresh, zesty alternative to the classic. By grilling green tomatoes, you introduce a smoky, charred flavor that elevates the dish in a fun, unexpected way.

We love a good grilled veggie recipe. Grilling adds a unique flavor to fresh ingredients, making an ordinary meal transform into something special. Let’s dive into why this grilled green tomato caprese salad is a must-try for your next outdoor gathering!

Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts

Not only does this Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad taste amazing, but it also offers a host of health benefits. Green tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

Paired with mozzarella, which provides a good source of protein and calcium, this dish offers a satisfying balance of nutrients. A drizzle of heart-healthy olive oil and the fresh touch of basil make this salad as good for you as it is for your taste buds.

Each serving of this Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad contains just 130 calories, making it a great low-calorie side dish for any meal. If you’re following Nutrisystem, you can count this salad as one PowerFuel, one Extra and half a serving of Vegetables. It’s the perfect complement to a balanced diet or healthy eating plan!

How to Make Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad

Making this salad couldn’t be easier! Grilled green tomatoes are the star of the show, and grilling them enhances their natural flavors with a slightly smoky edge. Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish:

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

Start by slicing three green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. The tomatoes should be firm and not too ripe, as this will ensure they hold their shape while grilling.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is the perfect temperature to create those beautiful grill marks on the tomatoes while softening them just enough without turning them mushy.

Step 3: Grill the Tomatoes

Place the tomato slices on the grill and cook them for two to three minutes per side. You’re looking for those classic grill marks, and the tomatoes should be slightly soft but still firm enough to hold their shape. Classic caprese salad typically features raw red tomatoes. However, we’re changing things up by throwing green tomatoes on the grill! It’s a simple hack that takes a seasonal veggie to the next level.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once your tomatoes are grilled, it’s time to assemble the salad. On a serving plate, alternate layers of grilled green tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese slices. The mozzarella adds a creamy contrast to the grilled tomatoes, creating a beautiful balance of textures.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

In a small bowl, whisk together a tablespoon each of olive oil and white balsamic vinegar. Drizzle this mixture over the layered tomatoes and mozzarella, making sure to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Finally, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper over the salad for a bit of spice and finish with a generous handful of freshly chopped basil. The basil adds an aromatic burst of freshness that perfectly complements the smoky tomatoes.

What to Serve with Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad

This Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad makes a great standalone dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Grilled Balsamic Chicken: The smoky flavor of the grilled chicken matches the grilled tomatoes and balsamic dressing in this salad, making for a well-rounded, delicious meal.
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The light, delicate flavor of shrimp pairs nicely with the fresh, tangy salad.
• Quinoa or Couscous: Serve this caprese salad alongside a light whole grain like quinoa or couscous to balance the meal and add some texture.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, asparagus or green beans offers a healthy, complementary dish.

Customization Ideas for Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad

While this Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to customize the recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

Add Protein

To make this salad a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp or even a hard-boiled egg. A sprinkle of nuts or seeds like pine nuts or sunflower seeds can also add a nice crunch and extra protein.

Try Different Cheese

Mozzarella is the classic choice for caprese salad, but you could easily swap it out for other cheeses such as burrata, goat cheese or feta. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment!

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the salad, or drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top. The acidity of the balsamic dressing will balance the heat, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Add More Veggies

You can easily turn this salad into a full vegetable dish by adding other grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers or eggplant. These veggies add additional flavor and texture, making the salad even more vibrant and satisfying.

Experiment with Vinegar

While white balsamic vinegar is a great option for this salad, you can switch it up by using regular balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar or even a flavored vinegar like lemon or raspberry. Each type of vinegar will alter the flavor profile and provide a unique twist on the classic.

Seasonal Appeal

This Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad is perfect for summer, making it an ideal addition to your barbecue, picnic or outdoor gathering. Green tomatoes are in season during the summer months, and grilling them adds a unique flavor that’s both fresh and smoky.

Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend lunch or preparing a side dish for a festive gathering, this caprese salad is sure to impress. This Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad makes six servings, so it’s a great option for your barbecue or picnic menu!

A Fresh Twist on a Classic

This Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the beauty of seasonal produce and the joys of grilling. With its smoky green tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil, it’s the perfect side dish to complement any summer meal.

Try it for your next gathering or enjoy it as a light, nutritious meal on its own. Whichever way you choose, it’s sure to become a favorite!