Recipe

Three Easy Twists on the Classic Caprese

By Rachel Hellman at Washington University in St. Louis

Caprese is the best salad in disguise ever. It tastes delicious, and its ingredients are packed with health benefits--all without a single piece of spinach or romaine lettuce in sight. Its simplicity makes it a perfectly versatile dish, easy to dress up and down.

Caprese lovers, rejoice: here are three easy and delicious ways to spice up the mozzarella, tomato and basil classic. They are sure to make an easy lunch, a quick snack or a simple meal that's perfect for sharing.

Caprese Pasta Salad

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Servings: 3
Ingredients
  • 1 box 16-oz rotini pasta
  • 1 8-oz container grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 8-oz container mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rachel Hellman

Step 1

Cook pasta according to box directions.

Rachel Hellman

Step 2

Cut the tomatoes in half.

Rachel Hellman

Step 3

Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and pesto to the pasta.

Rachel Hellman

Step 4

Add the tomato, mozzarella pearls and basil.

Rachel Hellman

Step 5

Mix well and enjoy!

Rachel Hellman

Caprese Calzone

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Servings: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust
  • 2 Roma tomatoes
  • 4 oz. mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

Rachel Hellman

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425° F. Divide and lay out the pizza crust.

Rachel Hellman

Step 2

Slice the tomatoes.

Rachel Hellman

Step 3

Place the tomato, mozzarella and basil on the pizza dough.

Rachel Hellman

Step 4

Fold over the pizza dough and seal.

Rachel Hellman

Step 5

Bake calzones for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown, and enjoy immediately.

Rachel Hellman

Caprese Avocado Toast

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Servings: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 pieces toasted bread
  • 4 oz. fresh mozzarella
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar

Rachel Hellman

Step 1

Scoop out the center of the avocados.

Step 2

Mash in the lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Step 3

Slice the tomatoes in half.

Rachel Hellman

Step 4

Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread.

Rachel Hellman

Step 5

Layer on tomato and mozzarella, and lightly drizzle Balsamic vinegar on top.

Rachel Hellman

After trying these three simple but delicious recipes, I hope you feel as if you have just taken a short vacation to the coast of Italy. Not only did you make something delicious in just a few minutes, but you put wholesome ingredients in your body (read: win-win-win).