The BEST caprese salad with pistachios recipe is right here! There’s nothing like finding a good recipe for fresh from the garden tomatoes.

a photo of a caprese salad spread over a serving tray consisting of tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, pistachios, a balsamic drizzle and salt and pepper.

This caprese salad is so light and refreshing and oooooooooohhhhhhhh so wonderful during the summer when you can pick the tomatoes straight from your garden. I had no idea tomatoes could even be that delicious until I tried my first homegrown tomato. It’s like a totally different thing. Am I right, gardeners?!

We love pistachios too and threw some on top of this pretty salad one night and we both found ourselves digging for the pistachios which could only mean one thing, they were meant to be. That added crunch is molto buono!

a photo of slice tomatoes in a variety of colors, fresh basil, chunks of fresh mozzarella all topped with a balsamic glaze and pistachios.

Recommended Equipment

How to Make a Caprese Salad Video

Before You Begin…

Slice your tomatoes nice and thick! I love a meaty bite of garden fresh tomato! And slice your mozzarella into thick slices too.

a photo of several heirloom tomatoes that are red, orange and green with small red cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and a small bowl of salt.

What is a Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, seasoned with salt and olive oil.

Ingredients for Caprese Salad

Have I ever told you we love caprese salad? No? Well, we do. Like, a lot. Especially when it has a really nice balsamic vinegar (not the cheapest no name stuff at the store). And even more so when it’s the best caprese salad with pistachios. Here is everything you will need…

  • Tomatoes: heirloom or vine ripe tomatoes
  • Mozzarella: it has to be fresh!
  • Pistachios: shelled and either lightly salted or no salt added
  • Basil: fresh leaves only
  • Olive Oil: you’ll only need a drizzle but a good quality oil will make all the difference
  • Balsamic Vinegar: go for a higher quality vinegar or even a balsamic glaze
  • Salt and Pepper: just for a little extra flavor

The measurements and details for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

a photo of a serving of caprese salad sitting on a small wooden plate.

What Kind of Mozzarella is Best for Caprese Salad?

You absolutely have to use fresh mozzarella to get the full caprese experience! The part skim or low moisture mozzarella, while cheaper, is saltier and won’t grab on to the flavors like fresh mozzarella does. You can get the fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) if you want, but we love the big hunks of a block of fresh mozz.

If you absolutely need a substitute, then burrata will be your best bet.

a photo of a large serving tray full of sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella topped with fresh basil leaves, balsamic vinegar and pistachios.

What Type of Tomatoes are Best for Caprese Salad?

If you have access to fresh tomatoes straight from the garden, then go with those! Get some at a farmers market or maybe your neighbor! They just can’t be beat!

If store bought is your only option, then go with vine ripe tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes.

a photo of several slices of tomatoes and chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese.

How to Toast Pistachios

To enhance the pistachio flavor and add the perfect crunch to the tomato salad, toast the pistachios in a preheated oven then set aside to cool.

Can I Omit the Balsamic Glaze?

Yes, the balsamic vinegar/glaze is totally optional. We love the tang, sweetness and richness it adds to the dish.

What to Serve with Caprese Salad?

I’m envisioning most people making this salad recipe in the summer, so bust out the grill and make some gourmet hamburgers, grilled bbq chicken, or a smoked brisket! This salad is honestly a great side dish for any summer meal!

a photo of a caprese salad filling a large serving tray and topped with pistachios, fresh basil and a balsamic drizzle.

Tips for the Best Caprese Salad

  • Serve with some good crusty bread like our no knead artisan bread!
  • Make sure you get a good quality balsamic vinegar. It will make all the difference.
  • Add a crunch to the dish with some pistachios. I added them on a whim one day, and I’ve never made it without them since.
  • Use fresh tomatoes straight from the garden or a farmers market. The flavor of fresh tomatoes just can’t be replicated by ones you get at the store.
a photo of several large garden and heirloom tomatoes surrounded by red cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and small containers of salt, pepper, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

How Long Does Caprese Salad Keep?

You can make this salad up to 6 hours ahead of time, but I wouldn’t let it sit much longer than that. Tomatoes start to break down and get mealy when they sit out for too long. If you’re going to make this salad ahead of time, wait until right before serving to add the pistachios and basil.

a photo of a wooden salad plate topped with a serving of caprese salad.

More Summer Salad Recipes:

The BEST Caprese Salad with Pistachios

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Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 Large Tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes
  • 1 lb Fresh Mozzarella
  • 1/3 Cup Pistachios, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons Basil, chopped
  • Olive Oil
  • Balsamic Vinegar, good quality
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Crusty Bread Toast Points, or flatbread (optional)

Instructions

  • Place the pistachios on a pan and heat the oven to 350. Roast for about 8 minutes. Remove to a plate to cool. This enhances their flavor.
  • Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella and arrange in a dish or bowl.
    3 Large Tomatoes, 1 lb Fresh Mozzarella
  • Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
    Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt and Pepper
  • Top with pistachios and basil and serve immediately.
    1/3 Cup Pistachios, 2 Tablespoons Basil
  • Serve with bread if desired.
    Crusty Bread Toast Points

Equipment

Notes

If you wish to make the salad ahead just arrange the tomatoes and cheese and cover with plastic wrap in the fridge. Chop the pistachios and set aside. When you’re ready to serve, dress the salad and add fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 276kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 19gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 477mgPotassium: 275mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1087IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 396mgIron: 1mg
Author: Sweet Basil
Course: 100 + Salad Recipes to Obsess Over, 100 Family Favorite Easy Healthy Recipes

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a photo of a large serving tray full of sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella topped with fresh basil leaves, balsamic vinegar and pistachios.