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