Caprese Zoodle Salad : Irresistible Italian Classic

Light, crisp, and bursting with summery flavor, this Caprese Zoodle Salad is the perfect healthy spin on a beloved Italian dish. By swapping traditional pasta for fresh zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” you keep all the vibrant elements of a Caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil—while making it lighter, gluten-free, and naturally low-carb.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a refreshing lunch, a side dish at your next cookout, or a quick no-cook dinner, this salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients. With just a few minutes of prep and no stove required, it’s one of those go-to recipes that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Zoodle Salad

If you’re looking for a simple dish that delivers in both flavor and nutrition, this Caprese Zoodle Salad checks all the boxes:

• Low-carb and gluten-free, thanks to zucchini noodles
• No cooking required, perfect for hot summer days
• Fresh and flavorful, featuring tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella
• Quick to prepare, ready in 15 minutes
• Customizable with additional veggies or protein
• Great for meal prep, side dishes, or light mains

It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, herby, and tangy—all in one bowl.

Who This Recipe is Perfect For

This salad is ideal for:

• Low-carb or keto eaters looking for flavorful veggie meals
• Gluten-free diners who want pasta-like satisfaction
• Vegetarians in need of a high-fiber, high-flavor option
• Busy home cooks who need something quick and no-fuss
• Anyone trying to eat more vegetables without sacrificing taste

Great for weeknights, meal prep, or picnics, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients to Make Caprese Zoodle Salad

To make this Caprese Zoodle Salad, you’ll need fresh, simple ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), halved if large
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional add-ins:

• 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for heat
• Toasted pine nuts, for crunch

These ingredients are clean and whole, making the salad nourishing and naturally beautiful.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Making this salad is easy and requires only a few tools:

• Spiralizer or julienne peeler (for zucchini noodles)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Salad tongs or serving spoon

Optional:

• Mandoline slicer (for even veggie cuts)
• Mason jars or containers for meal prep

No cooking necessary—just chop, spiralize, and toss.

How to Make Caprese Zoodle Salad Step-by-Step

This recipe comes together in just minutes. Here’s how:

1. Spiralize the zucchini: Wash and trim the ends of your zucchini. Use a spiralizer to create zoodles. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Prep the other ingredients: Halve the tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Tear or chop the basil.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini noodles, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
4. Dress the salad: Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Finish with balsamic glaze: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top.
6. Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.

Fresh, simple, and packed with flavor—this salad is a fast favorite.

Save

Tips for the Best Zoodle Texture and Flavor

• Pat the zoodles dry to avoid excess moisture in your bowl
• Serve fresh—zoodles are best enjoyed soon after preparing
• Season simply—salt, pepper, and olive oil let the ingredients shine
• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor
• Tear basil instead of chopping to prevent bruising

A few small steps make a big difference in texture and flavor.

Perfect Dressings for Caprese Zoodle Salad

While olive oil and balsamic glaze are the classic combo, you can mix it up with:

• Lemon vinaigrette for a bright, citrusy twist
• Pesto drizzle for a rich, herby variation
• Red wine vinegar and garlic for sharper tang
• Herb-infused olive oils to add subtle flavor layers

Choose a dressing that enhances—not overpowers—the salad’s fresh ingredients.

Serving Ideas and Garnishing Tips

Make your Caprese Zoodle Salad shine with these serving suggestions:

• Serve on a platter for family-style dining
• Garnish with extra basil leaves or microgreens
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving
• Present in individual jars or bowls for portion control and presentation
• Top with toasted pine nuts or seeds for extra crunch

It’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for entertaining or everyday meals.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This salad is best fresh, but you can prepare parts ahead of time:

• Spiralize zucchini and store in a paper towel-lined container
• Slice tomatoes and cheese and store separately
• Make the dressing and keep in a small jar
• Combine everything just before serving to maintain texture

Once assembled, the salad keeps in the fridge for up to 1 day. After that, zoodles can become watery.

Creative Variations and Add-Ins

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Try these variations:

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
• Mix in diced avocado or artichokes for creamy texture
• Swap mozzarella with feta or burrata
• Use yellow squash or cucumber noodles for variety
• Toss in baby spinach or arugula for extra greens
• Top with sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean feel

This recipe is highly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Zoodle Salads

Keep your salad crisp and flavorful by avoiding these common errors:

• Not drying the zoodles—leads to soggy salad
• Overdressing—zoodles absorb liquid quickly
• Cutting the mozzarella too small—larger pieces provide better texture
• Skipping the glaze—balsamic glaze adds richness and balance
• Using underripe tomatoes—they lack the sweetness needed for contrast

Attention to detail makes all the difference in freshness and texture.

What to Serve with Caprese Zoodle Salad

This light and refreshing salad pairs well with:

• Grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu
• Whole grain bread or focaccia
• Soup like gazpacho or minestrone
• Roasted vegetables or stuffed peppers
• Fruit salads or lemon sorbet for dessert

It’s great on its own or as a colorful side for a larger meal.

Save

Caprese Zoodle Salad FAQs

Can I cook the zoodles?
You can lightly sauté them, but for this salad, raw zoodles provide the best texture.

What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
Use a julienne peeler or buy pre-spiralized zucchini from the store.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes—prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving for best texture.

What’s the best mozzarella to use?
Ciliegine or bocconcini are ideal, but you can also cube fresh mozzarella.

Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and fits into most keto meal plans.

Nutrition Information for Caprese Zoodle Salad

Approximate per serving (based on 2 servings):

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Vitamin C: 30% DV
• Calcium: 15% DV

Light and nutrient-dense, this salad is perfect for a wholesome meal or side.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Caprese Zoodle Salad is everything you want in a fresh dish: light, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the essence of a classic Caprese without the heaviness, and it fits beautifully into low-carb, gluten-free, and plant-focused diets.

Print