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This Gut-Friendly Caprese Salad takes the classic to the next level with avocado, fresh basil, and gut-healthy ingredients. A light, refreshing dish that supports digestion and satisfies your taste buds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Gut-Friendly Caprese Salad
A light, refreshing salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors and gut-loving ingredients!
The classic Caprese salad is already a winner when it comes to fresh, simple flavors—but this gut-friendly twist takes it up a notch! By swapping out some of the mozzarella for fiber-rich avocado, this version is even easier to digest while still delivering that creamy, satisfying texture.
Tomatoes bring hydration and antioxidants, while fresh basil adds a burst of anti-inflammatory benefits that your gut will love. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze ties everything together, offering healthy fats that support digestion and help your body absorb nutrients.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a light lunch, or a flavorful appetizer, this salad is simple, delicious, and easy to make in just minutes. Plus, it pairs perfectly with your favorite gut-friendly proteins or whole grains for a more filling meal.
What Makes It Gut-Friendly?
This wrap isn’t just delicious—it’s great for digestion too!
Here’s why:
✔️Collard Greens – High in fiber and antioxidants to support digestion.
✔️Chicken – Provides gut-healing amino acids and protein.
✔️Veggies – Loaded with prebiotics to feed good gut bacteria.
✔️Tahini Dressing – Full of healthy fats and prebiotic fiber for gut health.
How to Customize Your Caprese Salad
One of the best things about this Gut-Friendly Caprese Salad is how versatile it is! You can switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand or what works best for your digestion.
- Add greens – Toss in arugula, spinach, or kale for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Make it zesty – Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Boost the healthy fats – Swap half the mozzarella for sliced avocado or add a drizzle of pumpkin seed oil for an omega-3 boost.
- Make it a meal – Serve it over quinoa or chickpeas for more protein and fiber.
- Nutty crunch – Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and gut-friendly fats.
- Garlic lover? – Add roasted garlic or a sprinkle of garlic powder for more depth of flavor.
This simple but flavorful dish can be easily adapted to fit your taste and dietary needs while still giving your gut a boost of nourishment.
Recipe Breakdown
Here’s the short version of how simple this is:
🍅 Tomatoes – Antioxidant-rich and hydrating for gut support.
🥑 Avocado – Adds fiber and healthy fats to aid digestion.
🧀 Mozzarella – Contains probiotics that promote a healthy gut.
🌿 Fresh Basil – Anti-inflammatory and packed with digestion-boosting properties.
🥗 Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Provides healthy fats that support gut lining.
A light, refreshing salad with a gut-friendly twist that keeps things simple and satisfying!
Time-saving tips: I buy this delicious, shelf-stable premade balsamic glaze, it’s by far the best store-bought one I’ve tried. To save even more time, I use mozzarella pearls instead of whole mozzarella.
Why This Recipe Matters
Classic flavors, but with a gut-health upgrade.
This Gut-Friendly Caprese Salad swaps out some of the cheese for avocado, adding fiber and healthy fats to support digestion. Tomatoes and basil bring antioxidants, while extra virgin olive oil helps fight inflammation.
It’s a simple way to enjoy a fresh, satisfying meal while keeping your gut happy.
Want more gut-friendly lunch ideas? Check out our post Quick and Easy Light Lunches That Support A Healthy Digestion.
Caprese Salad with a Gut-Friendly Twist
Course: Lunch, Side DishCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutesA light, refreshing salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors and gut-loving ingredients!
Ingredients
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 avocado, sliced
4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (or dairy-free alternative)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic glaze
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Assemble the salad: On a plate, layer the tomatoes, avocado, and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern.
- Add fresh basil: Scatter basil leaves on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Tips for Success
✔ Use ripe tomatoes – They should be juicy and slightly firm for the best flavor.
✔ Make it dairy-free – Swap mozzarella for a cashew-based or almond-based cheese.
✔ Let it marinate – Letting the salad sit for 10 minutes enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions/Pairings
🍞 Serve with whole-grain or gluten-free toast for a heartier meal.
🥣 Pair with a light soup like gazpacho or bone broth.
Storage Tips
Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
If prepping ahead, add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Make It and Share It
This dish is perfect for a healthy and quick lunch, snack, or appetizer. Double the recipe if you need extra servings—you won’t regret it.
If you make this dish, don’t forget to share your version with me – snap a pic and tag me! (@guthealthcoachcheryl on Insta) Let’s spread the love for simple, healthy meals!
Looking for refreshing gut-friendly meal ideas? Check out our recipes page for more ideas.
