Caprese salad with fresh basil and lime wedges

Caprese salad

caprese salad with lime juice

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

17 Oct 2025

Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!

Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Growing up, summers always meant Caprese salads. My Nonna would make it almost daily, using tomatoes fresh from her garden. The simplicity was always the magic – just a few ingredients, but each one bursting with flavor. This lime-infused version is a nod to her tradition, with a zesty kick that brightens up the whole dish. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, so even on the busiest of weeknights, you can bring a touch of sunshine to your table. One time I even forgot the basil... It was still pretty good, honestly.
overhead shot of Caprese salad ingredients: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lime
The beauty of this salad is its versatility. You can serve it as an appetizer at your next dinner party, a light lunch on a warm day, or even as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Feel free to experiment with different types of mozzarella, such as burrata for an extra creamy texture, or heirloom tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. I once added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, and it was surprisingly delicious! What does this mean for you? It means that you have the freedom to experiment to find your own preference.
side view of a layered Caprese salad with lime dressing drizzled on top

Required Equipments

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving Platter

Caprese Salad with Lime Juice: Frequently Asked Questions

Caprese Salad with Lime Juice

This Caprese Salad with Lime Juice recipe puts a refreshing twist on a classic Italian favorite. The bright acidity of lime perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil, making it an irresistible appetizer or light meal.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, slice the tomatoes into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. I like using a serrated knife for this, as it helps to grip the tomato skin and prevents it from slipping. A mandoline slicer also works great, but be careful! Those things are sharp, and I may or may not have personal experience with that.
  2. Next, slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds that are about the same thickness as the tomatoes. If you’re using fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), you can simply halve or quarter them, depending on their size. You can sometimes find pre-sliced mozzarella at the grocery store, which can be a real time-saver.
  3. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter, alternating between tomato, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Get creative with the arrangement! You can layer them, fan them out, or create a circular pattern. The most important thing is to make it look appealing. You eat with your eyes first, right?
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the amounts to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a touch of honey or agave nectar. If you want it more tart, add a bit more lime juice. Taste as you go!
  5. Drizzle the lime dressing evenly over the salad. Make sure to get every slice! Then, give everything a quick sprinkle of salt and black pepper, if needed. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the pepper. It adds a nice little kick.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and lime wedges. The basil adds a pop of color and aroma, while the lime wedges provide an extra burst of citrus for those who want it. You could also throw on some balsamic glaze... don't tell Nonna.
  7. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, so don't let it sit for too long or the tomatoes and mozzarella might get a little soggy. However, chilling it briefly can help to enhance the flavors. Oh no, I think i forgot to buy the tomatoes!

📝 Notes

    🍎 Nutrition

    Calories: 250 kcal

    Protein: 15 g

    Fat: 18 g

    Carbohydrates: 8 g

    Fiber: 2 g

    Calcium: 300 mg

    A simple salad can be a masterpiece. Fresh ingredients, a touch of creativity, and you've got something truly special.

    Want delicious updates straight to your inbox?

    FOLLOW US

    © 2025 GuideMyRecipe. All Rights Reserved.