Low Carb Caprese Salad: Easy Keto Summer Salad

Name: Low Carb Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Roma tomatoes; Fresh mozzarella; Extra virgin olive oil; Balsamic glaze or vinegar; Fresh basil leaves; Flaky sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

May 27, 2026

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Is Caprese salad low carb?

Yes, Caprese salad can absolutely fit into a low carb or keto lifestyle when you choose the right ingredients. Traditional Caprese is made with only a few simple items: fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. All of these are naturally low in carbohydrates.

A one-cup serving of classic Caprese contains about 6 to 7 grams of net carbs, mostly from the tomatoes and cheese. To keep it strictly keto, you can use a little less tomato and always pick a sugar-free balsamic glaze or vinegar. Many commercial balsamic glazes are sweetened with corn syrup or added sugars, so reading labels is key. When you stick to high-quality ingredients and avoid sugary condiments, this salad is a refreshing, healthy choice for any summer meal.

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You’ll love this healthy Caprese salad!

Our recipe keeps everything you adore about the classic Italian appetizer while eliminating hidden carbs. We use only peak-season produce, genuine fresh mozzarella, and a pure balsamic vinegar with no added sugar. The result is a light, vibrant salad that bursts with flavor. It makes a fantastic side for grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked chicken, turning a simple salad into a complete low carb dinner. For another take on this beloved dish, you might enjoy this Low Carb Caprese Salad from Wholesome Yum. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll want to make it all summer long.

Key Ingredients

The beauty of a low carb Caprese salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient shines, so quality matters. Here’s what you’ll need and how to choose the best:

Roma tomatoes: Smaller vine-ripened tomatoes like Roma or cherry tomatoes work great. Slice them about half an inch thick so each bite has the perfect balance of juicy tomato and creamy cheese.
Fresh mozzarella: Always choose the kind packed in water or whey, not the low-moisture block sold for shredding. One ounce of fresh mozzarella has less than 1 gram of carbs and adds rich protein and calcium.
Extra virgin olive oil: A good quality EVOO brings heart-healthy fats and a fruity finish. Drizzle just before serving.
Balsamic glaze or vinegar: This is where many hidden sugars hide. Pick a pure aged balsamic with no added sugars, or make your own reduction with a keto sweetener like allulose or monk fruit.
Fresh basil leaves: Never use dried basil here. Fresh leaves add a burst of bright, peppery flavor plus anti-inflammatory flavonoids, all with zero carbs.
Salt and pepper: Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper tie everything together.

How to make a healthy Caprese salad

Assembling this salad takes only a few minutes. Follow these simple steps for the best results.

Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into rounds that are about half an inch thick. Try to match the size of the tomato slices to the mozzarella for an attractive look and even bites.
Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate in an overlapping circular pattern. You can also line them up straight across a platter if you prefer.
Tuck small fresh basil leaves or thinly sliced basil between the layers so they peek out attractively.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad, then follow with a thin stream of sugar-free balsamic glaze or vinegar. Be careful not to overdrizzle; you want just enough to enhance the flavors.
Season with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture. The cheese stays white and creamy when you add the dressing right before eating.

FAQs

Is caprese salad low carb?

Yes, a traditional caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and a sugar-free balsamic glaze is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low carb and keto diets.

How many net carbs are in a serving of low carb caprese salad?

A standard serving of low carb caprese salad contains approximately 4 to 6 grams of net carbs, depending on the amount of tomatoes and whether a sugar-free balsamic glaze is used.

What is the best low carb substitute for balsamic glaze in caprese salad?

Use a sugar-free balsamic vinegar reduction or a simple mixture of balsamic vinegar and a low carb sweetener like erythritol, simmered until thickened.

Can I make caprese salad dairy free?

Yes, substitute fresh mozzarella with a dairy-free mozzarella alternative made from cashews or coconut oil, or use a firm tofu slice marinated in Italian herbs.

How do you keep caprese salad from getting watery?

Slice tomatoes and let them rest on paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, and avoid assembling the salad too far in advance. Add salt just before serving.

What goes well with low carb caprese salad for dinner?

Pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, steak, or zucchini noodles for a complete low carb meal. It also works as a side dish with keto-friendly stuffed peppers or roasted vegetables.

Recipe

Ingredients

2 large Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick
8 oz fresh mozzarella (packed in water or whey), sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar-free balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar (no added sugar)
Flaky sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Wash and dry the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Keep slices uniform for even bites.
On a serving plate, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices in an overlapping circular pattern.
Tuck small basil leaves or thin strips of basil between the layers.
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar over the top. Use a light hand with the balsamic to keep carbs in check.
Season with flaky sea salt and fresh black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Tomato tip: Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the sweetest flavor. If your tomatoes are very juicy, let the sliced rounds rest on paper towels for about 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. This prevents a watery salad.
Balsamic choice: In the US, many pre-made balsamic glazes contain corn syrup. Always check the ingredient list and opt for a pure balsamic vinegar with no added sugar. You can also make a sugar-free reduction by simmering balsamic with a keto sweetener like allulose until thickened.
Dairy-free option: To make this salad dairy-free, swap the mozzarella for grilled halloumi or a vegan cheese substitute, but be sure to check the carb count on the label.
Make-ahead: For meal prep, store the sliced tomatoes and cheese separately in the fridge. Assemble only when you’re ready to serve. Leftover dressed salad can be refrigerated up to a day, though the tomatoes may soften and release water.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos for a subtle heat that complements the creamy cheese.
Flavor boost: Experiment with flavored olive oils or infused vinegars like basil or garlic oil for a fun variation without adding carbs.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	169 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Protein	11g
Total Carbohydrates	3g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Net Carbs	2g

Nutrition is based on 4 servings using sugar-free balsamic vinegar. Values may vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and brands used.

Low Carb Caprese Salad

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Print Recipe

🍅 A refreshing Italian classic made low carb with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
🥗 Quick to assemble with no cooking required, perfect for a light summer meal or keto-friendly side dish.

Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

1-Slice ingredients: Wash, dry, and slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/2-inch rounds, matching sizes for even presentation.

2-Arrange on plate: Overlap tomato and mozzarella slices in a circular pattern or line them up on a platter.

3-Add basil: Tuck small or thinly sliced basil leaves between the layers so they peek out attractively.

4-Drizzle dressing: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and a thin stream of sugar-free balsamic glaze or vinegar evenly, avoiding excess.

5-Season and serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper, then serve immediately for best freshness.

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