Grilled Caprese Salad Recipe
This Grilled Caprese Salad recipe (Caprese Grigliata) elevates the classic Italian salad with smoky, charred flavors from the grill. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy, chef Michael Bonacini combines heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a balsamic reduction for a vibrant and visually stunning salad. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for summer meals, casual dinners, or entertaining guests.
The Inspiration
Caprese salad is one of Italy’s most iconic dishes, celebrated for its simplicity and reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Traditionally, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil form a harmonious trio of flavors and colors inspired by the Italian flag.
On Bonacini’s Italy, Michael Bonacini introduces a smoky twist by lightly grilling the tomatoes. Grilling adds depth to the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while creating caramelized edges and a subtle smoky flavor, enhancing the salad’s complexity. The balsamic reduction adds a rich, tangy note that balances the creamy mozzarella and bright, acidic tomatoes, making this dish more sophisticated than a standard Caprese.
This salad is not only delicious but visually striking. The mix of cherry, Roma, and heirloom tomatoes in red, yellow, and green adds vibrancy, while the torn mozzarella and scattered basil leaves create a rustic, artisanal presentation. It’s a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a side dish for grilled meats and seafood.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds (680-907 grams) heirloom tomatoes (mixed size and colours), cherry tomatoes on the vine, and Roma tomatoes
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
- 2-3 large balls fresh mozzarella
- Balsamic vinegar reduction, for drizzling
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt flakes
- Basil leaves, roughly torn
Method
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Toss tomatoes with olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange tomatoes on hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes or until charred and blistered.
- Remove from heat and arrange on a large board, slicing large tomatoes into quarters.
- Tear mozzarella into large chunks and arrange pieces among tomatoes.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and garnish with basil. Serve immediately,
- Buon appetito!
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Caprese salad is perfect as a light appetizer, a side dish, or part of a larger Italian-inspired meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or pasta dishes. For a casual summer lunch, serve with toasted bread or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to soak up the juices from the charred tomatoes.
This salad also works well as part of an antipasto platter with cured meats, olives, and marinated vegetables. The smoky flavor from the grill elevates traditional Caprese, making it ideal for entertaining. For drinks, a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the mozzarella, creating a balanced flavor experience.
Final Thoughts
This Caprese Grigliata recipe highlights how a simple Italian classic can be transformed with minimal effort into a sophisticated, flavorful dish. On Bonacini’s Italy, Michael Bonacini demonstrates that the combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a quick grill can produce incredible depth of flavor.
The dish is visually striking, bursting with vibrant colors from heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil, and texturally satisfying with creamy mozzarella contrasting the tender, slightly charred tomatoes. The balsamic reduction adds a sweet and tangy finish that ties all the elements together.
Whether for a casual family meal, a summer picnic, or a dinner party, grilled Caprese salad delivers elegance and flavor with very little effort. It’s a celebration of Italian cuisine: fresh, colorful, and absolutely delicious.