Keto Caprese Salad
A classic Italian Caprese salad layering ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil under a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. At just 5.4g net carbs per serving and ready in 10 minutes, it's a fresh, no-cook keto lunch bursting with creamy, herby flavor.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 2. Values are estimates; brands vary.
This no-cook Caprese is the easiest keto lunch in the rotation: just ripe tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil under good olive oil. Ten minutes, five ingredients, and pure summer on a plate.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes (about 240g), sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella ball, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 garlic clove, very thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the tomato and mozzarella slices dry with a paper towel so the salad doesn't get watery.
- 2
On a serving platter, arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating, slightly overlapping row.
- 3
Tuck whole basil leaves between the slices, and scatter the optional thin garlic slivers over the top.
- 4
Drizzle evenly with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- 5
Finish with the flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper, and serve immediately at room temperature.
Tips & notes
- Use the ripest tomatoes you can find and let everything come to room temperature for the best flavor; cold dulls the taste of both tomato and mozzarella.
- Balsamic vinegar carries most of the carbs here, so stick to the 1 tbsp measure. For even lower carbs, swap in a few drops of balsamic glaze made with a keto sweetener, or use red wine vinegar.
- Best eaten fresh. If you must store it, keep undressed components separate in the fridge for up to 2 days and assemble just before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto caprese salad?
- Each serving has 5.4g net carbs (6.8g total carbs minus 1.4g fiber), along with 392 calories, 18g protein, and 32g fat. This recipe makes 2 servings.
- Is Caprese salad keto-friendly?
- Yes. Fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and basil are naturally keto, and the carbs come almost entirely from a small portion of tomato plus a touch of balsamic. Keeping the balsamic to 1 tablespoon keeps each serving under 6g net carbs.
- Can I make Caprese salad ahead of time?
- It's best assembled fresh so the tomatoes don't weep and the mozzarella stays creamy. You can slice the tomatoes and cheese a few hours ahead, store them separately in the fridge, then plate, dress, and season right before serving.
