Caprese Moderna at Red Cedar & Sage. Photo source.
Sometimes a dish is best stripped down to its bare essentials. With less chaos on the plate, ingredient sourcing and preparation become key, and high quality becomes the ultimate reward in terms of flavor. One such dish is the straightforward yet seriously fresh caprese salad. The Italian staple is a fixture on salad menus at many pizzerias and modern restaurants for good reason. Layered slices of fresh mozzarella, garden tomatoes and basil, and often a simple dressing such as olive oil or balsamic vinegar all merge to delight gluten-free, vegetarian, and omnivore palates alike. Seattleites can look for their fix at any of these top picks (of course, as always, diners with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance should double check ingredient lists with individual restaurant staff).
Elemental Pizza | Multiple locations
Though Elemental Pizza does offer the option to substitute gluten-free pizza crust on any of its wood-fired specialties, for guests looking for something lighter, the caprese salad is another friendly choice that won’t break your dietary budget. Baby mixed greens get a refreshing makeover when tossed with juicy grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
Belltown Pub | 2322 1st Ave | 206-448-6210
If indulging in bar grub isn’t within your dietary means, Belltown Pub serves up a selection of salads, including the Prawn Caprese -- seasonal tomatoes topped with a mix of fresh basil, buttery-soft burrata mozzarella, candied walnuts, chimichurri sauce, and tomato vinaigrette. If you’re stopping in between 4 and 6:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., take advantage of the special happy hour Caprese Bowl (tomato wedges, basil, burrata, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and cracked pepper).
Il Bistro | 93A Pike St | 206-682-3049
Among its extensive menu of Italian delights, Pike Place Market’s Il Bistro offers a classic take on caprese salad featuring chef-selected market produce from organic heirloom tomatoes and basil to fresh mozzarella, aged balsamic, and Sicilian olive oil.
Red Cedar & Sage | 1501 Pike Pl #200 | 206-538-0377
The Caprese Moderna salad at Red Cedar & Sage is the caprese you love all gussied up. Heirloom tomatoes and fresh burrata mozzarella are served on a Himalayan salt block for extra flavor and flair on every plateful.
