Low Carb Caprese Salad Recipe with Mozzarella and Basil

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 2, 2026

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Is Caprese salad low carb?

Yes, classic Caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella slices, thick tomato slices, aromatic basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and a splash of balsamic can absolutely fit into a low-carb or keto lifestyle. You just need to pay attention to a few details. One medium tomato provides about 3 to 5 grams of net carbs, so portion control really is the key. Fresh mozzarella, on the other hand, is practically zero carb, especially the full-fat variety packed in liquid. Extra virgin olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats with no carbs at all.

But here is where many people slip up: balsamic glaze. Most store-bought balsamic glazes are loaded with added sugar. Even a tiny drizzle can sneak in extra carbs you were not counting. Always scan the ingredient list. If the label lists sugar, corn syrup, or anything similar among the first few ingredients, put it back. A high-quality pure balsamic vinegar or a sugar-free balsamic reduction is the way to go. A light drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar adds about 2 grams of net carbs per teaspoon, which is much easier to work into your daily macros.

When we prepare our Low Carb Caprese Salad, we stick to simple high-quality ingredients. That means beautiful ripe Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, good olive oil, and only a whisper of a sugar-free balsamic drizzle. The result is a salad that sits around 6 grams of net carbs per serving, and you can easily drop it even lower by adjusting the tomato ratio. So yes, Caprese salad is low carb, as long as you build it with care.

Jump to:

Is Caprese salad low carb?
You’ll love this healthy Caprese salad!
Key Ingredients
How to make a healthy Caprese salad
FAQ: Low Carb Caprese Salad
Is caprese salad low carb?
How many carbs are in a keto caprese salad?
Can I eat caprese salad on keto?
What goes well with low carb caprese salad?
Is balsamic glaze keto friendly?
How do I make caprese salad low carb?
Low Carb Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

You’ll love this healthy Caprese salad!

This is not your average side dish. Our Low Carb Caprese Salad celebrates peak-season summer produce without any added sugar. Every bite is creamy, tangy, and fresh. We love how quickly it comes together on a warm evening when you want something light but satisfying.

For a truly high-protein low-carb dinner, serve this salad alongside a simply grilled chicken breast, air-fried chicken thighs, or baked chicken cutlets. The combination gives you around 14 grams of protein per serving just from the mozzarella, and the chicken adds plenty more. It is the kind of meal that leaves you full without weighing you down.

If you enjoy playing with Caprese flavors, you will also love our Light Avocado Caprese Salad. The avocado brings extra creaminess and healthy fats while lowering the overall carb percentage per serving. You can even transform this basic salad into low-carb Caprese skewers for a quick appetizer, or swap in burrata for an ultra-luxurious version. For even more inspiration, take a look at this healthy low carb Caprese salad from EatingWell.

When you find a good sugar-free balsamic glaze, keep it on hand. It makes all the difference in keeping this salad keto-friendly without sacrificing that tangy, slightly sweet finish.

Key Ingredients

What you use matters. Here is exactly what we reach for when we make this Low Carb Caprese Salad:

Tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are our go-to because they are meaty and not overly watery. Vine-ripened or Compari tomatoes work beautifully too, as long as you slice them about ½ inch thick to match the cheese. For a bite-sized salad, cherry tomatoes paired with mini mozzarella balls are perfect. One medium tomato contributes roughly 3 to 5 grams of net carbs, and heirloom varieties sometimes come in slightly lower.
Fresh mozzarella. Always buy the kind packed in liquid, whether it is a log, a large ball, or small pearls. This mozzarella has a soft, milky texture and virtually zero carbs. Regular block mozzarella can be used in a pinch, but it lacks that same melt-in-your-mouth quality. For a dairy-free option, plant-based mozzarella alternatives exist, though the texture will be different.
Extra virgin olive oil. A good fruity olive oil adds richness without any carbs. We like to drizzle it generously right before serving.
Balsamic glaze or vinegar. This is where you need to be careful. A true keto-friendly Caprese salad needs a pure balsamic glaze with no added sugar. If you cannot find one, use a small amount of aged balsamic vinegar instead, or make a quick sugar-free balsamic reduction at home with vinegar and a keto sweetener.
Fresh basil leaves. Please skip the dried basil. We always use fresh leaves, either tucking small whole ones between the layers or slicing larger leaves into thin ribbons. They add that unmistakable summery aroma and plenty of antioxidants.
Seasonings. Fine sea salt or pink Himalayan salt and freshly ground black pepper pull all the flavors together. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, it balances the creamy cheese perfectly.

Optional low-carb extenders. Add thin cucumber ribbons or zucchini ribbons to stretch the salad and add volume without many extra carbs. Sliced avocado also makes the salad even creamier while further reducing the carb percentage per serving.

How to make a healthy Caprese salad

The assembly could not be simpler, but the order matters for the prettiest presentation and the best texture. Here is how we do it step by step:

Slice evenly. Cut your tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into slices that are about ½ inch thick. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so each bite is balanced.
Arrange on a plate. On a round plate or a small platter, alternate the tomato and mozzarella slices in a circular, slightly overlapping pattern. This lets the colors shine and makes it easy to grab a little of everything.
Add the basil. Tuck small fresh basil leaves between the layers. If you only have large leaves, stack them, roll them up, and slice into thin strips, then scatter those strips over the top.
Drizzle and season. Drizzle your sugar-free balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil lightly over the salad. Sprinkle with sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. That is it.
Serve immediately. Caprese salad is at its best right after you put it together. If you let it sit too long, the tomatoes release their juices and the cheese loses that lovely cool contrast. For meal prep, we recommend slicing your ingredients just before serving, or storing everything separately in the fridge and assembling only what you plan to eat.

Leftovers? Keep the components apart. Tomatoes in one container, mozzarella in another, basil wrapped in a damp paper towel, and dressing in a small jar. That way you can enjoy the same fresh taste tomorrow.

FAQ: Low Carb Caprese Salad

Is caprese salad low carb?

Yes, a traditional caprese salad with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt is naturally low in carbs. Tomatoes add about 3-4 net carbs per serving, making it suitable for low carb and keto diets when portioned carefully.

How many carbs are in a keto caprese salad?

A typical serving of keto caprese salad (1 medium tomato, 2 oz mozzarella, 1 tbsp olive oil) contains around 3-5 grams of net carbs, mostly from the tomatoes. Using fewer tomatoes or cherry tomatoes reduces the carb count further.

Can I eat caprese salad on keto?

Absolutely. Caprese salad is naturally keto-friendly as long as you avoid high-carb additions like balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar (which can contain sugar). Stick to olive oil, salt, and pepper for a keto-approved dressing.

What goes well with low carb caprese salad?

It pairs nicely with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, zucchini noodles, or a side of roasted vegetables. It also works as a topping for cauliflower rice or as a salad on its own for a light lunch.

Is balsamic glaze keto friendly?

Most store-bought balsamic glazes are high in sugar (about 5-10g carbs per tablespoon). For a keto version, use a sugar-free balsamic vinegar reduction or simply dress the salad with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

How do I make caprese salad low carb?

Use fresh mozzarella (full-fat) and limit the amount of tomatoes. Replace balsamic glaze with olive oil and herbs. Add avocado for healthy fats and extra creaminess without many carbs. Use large heirloom tomatoes sparingly, or choose cherry tomatoes to control portions.

Low Carb Caprese Salad Recipe with Mozzarella and Basil

Is Caprese salad low carb?

You’ll love this healthy Caprese salad!

Key Ingredients

How to make a healthy Caprese salad