10+ Recipes with Capers to Elevate Your Meals

Capers are a unique ingredient that can really elevate your meals. Incorporating capers into your recipes adds a tangy taste that can brighten up a dish, whether it’s pasta, fish, or salads. They bring a salty and briny flavor that works well with a variety of ingredients.

If you’re looking to explore new flavors in your cooking, using capers might be just what you need. You’ll find that these little buds can transform ordinary recipes into something special, making your meals more exciting and delicious.

Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a delicious dish that highlights the unique flavor of capers. This Italian-American recipe features chicken breast cutlets cooked in a light lemon sauce. The addition of capers adds a briny taste that complements the citrus nicely.

To make Chicken Piccata, you start by dredging the chicken in flour and searing it in olive oil. Cooking it until golden brown gives it a nice texture. You then create the sauce with white wine, lemon juice, capers, and garlic, which adds depth to the dish.

Serve your Chicken Piccata with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breast cutlets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp capers
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Dredge chicken cutlets in flour, seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
3. Cook cutlets for about 4 minutes on each side.
4. Remove chicken and add wine, lemon juice, capers, and garlic to the skillet.
5. Boil for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, cook for 2 more minutes, and serve.

2) Spaghetti with Caper and Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti with caper and tomato sauce is a quick and flavorful dish. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Start by cooking your spaghetti in boiling water until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté some sliced garlic. When the garlic is fragrant, add chopped tomatoes and capers.

Let everything cook until the tomatoes break down, about 8 to 10 minutes. This will create a savory sauce that coats your pasta beautifully. After draining the spaghetti, mix it with the sauce.

Season with salt and a pinch of pepper for added taste. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Chopped tomatoes
• Capers
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and capers; cook for 8-10 minutes.
6. Drain spaghetti and combine it with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with fresh parsley if desired.

3) Pan-Roasted Salmon with Caper-Vermouth Sauce

Pan-roasted salmon with caper-vermouth sauce is a flavorful and quick dish to prepare. Start with fresh salmon fillets for the best taste. You’ll love how the capers add a nice briny flavor that pairs well with the salmon.

Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your salmon with salt and pepper, then add some olive oil to the pan. Cook the salmon skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes. This helps achieve a crispy skin.

Next, flip the salmon and reduce the heat. Add butter, vermouth, and capers to the pan. As the butter melts, baste the fish for an additional 3-4 minutes. This keeps the salmon moist and flavorful.

Serve the salmon with the caper-vermouth sauce drizzled on top. It’s great with a side of rice or vegetables to complete your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup dry vermouth
• 2 tablespoons capers

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the pan and place salmon skin-side down.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy.
5. Flip salmon and reduce heat.
6. Add butter, vermouth, and capers to the pan.
7. Baste salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
8. Serve with sauce drizzled on top.

4) Egg Salad with Capers

Egg salad with capers is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The capers add a burst of salty flavor that enhances the creamy texture of the egg salad. It’s perfect for sandwiches or served on a bed of greens.

To make this tasty salad, start with hard-boiled eggs. You’ll want about eight eggs, which you can chop into small pieces. Mix in mayonnaise and a bit of mustard for creaminess.

Then, add rinsed capers for that unique taste. You can also include salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference.

This dish comes together quickly and is great for lunches or picnics. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up extra eggs.

Ingredients

• 8 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 2 teaspoons capers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the hard-boiled eggs and place them in a bowl.
2. Add mayonnaise and mustard.
3. Rinse the capers and mix them into the bowl.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until combined.

5) Lentil Salad with Capers and Red Peppers

This lentil salad is easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll enjoy the mix of capers and red peppers. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner.

To prepare, start by cooking lentils until they are tender. Drain them and let them cool. While the lentils cool, chop fresh red peppers and any other veggies you prefer.

In a bowl, mix the lentils with capers, red peppers, and a simple dressing of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently to combine the flavors.

This salad can be served immediately or chilled for a refreshing taste. You can even add olives or feta cheese for extra flavor if you like.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup capers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook lentils according to package instructions until tender.
2. Drain lentils and let them cool.
3. Chop red bell pepper.
4. In a bowl, combine lentils, red pepper, and capers.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.

6) Grilled Swordfish with Lemon-Caper Sauce

Grilled swordfish with lemon-caper sauce is a fantastic dish that’s full of flavor. Swordfish is a meaty fish that holds up well on the grill. The bright and zesty lemon-caper sauce adds a delicious touch.

To make this dish, start by preparing the swordfish steaks. Season them with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Grill the steaks for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side at medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C), until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.

While the fish is grilling, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix capers, lemon juice, parsley, and olive oil. Once the swordfish is ready, drizzle this tasty lemon-caper sauce on top before serving.

Enjoy your grilled swordfish with sides like steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 3 swordfish steaks (about 1 pound each)
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F or 200°C).
2. Season the swordfish with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Grill the swordfish for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
4. In a bowl, combine capers, lemon juice, parsley, and olive oil.
5. Drizzle the sauce over the grilled swordfish before serving.

7) Smoked Salmon and Caper Pizza

Smoked salmon and caper pizza is a tasty twist on traditional pizza. It combines fresh flavors that make it fun to eat. You can prepare it quickly for a delicious meal or snack.

Start with a pizza crust of your choice. You can use store-bought or make your own. Spread a layer of cream cheese on top for a creamy base. Then, layer slices of smoked salmon evenly across the pizza.

Next, sprinkle capers, red onion, and dill to add bursts of flavor. Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) until the crust is golden. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes.

Once it’s done, let it cool slightly. Cut it into wedges to serve. This pizza is perfect for a casual dinner or as an appetizer at gatherings.

Ingredients

• Pizza crust
• Cream cheese
• Smoked salmon
• Capers
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread cream cheese on the pizza crust.
3. Arrange smoked salmon over the cream cheese.
4. Sprinkle capers and red onion on top.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden.
6. Cool slightly, then cut into wedges and serve.

8) Caper and White Bean Dip

This caper and white bean dip is a delightful option for snacks or gatherings. It combines creamy cannellini beans with the tangy flavor of capers, creating a tasty spread.

To make the dip, simply blend the beans with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add the capers for a burst of flavor. You can keep it smooth or leave it a bit chunky, depending on your preference.

Serve this dip with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like carrots and bell peppers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 9 oz cannellini beans, drained
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine the beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Blend until smooth or desired consistency.
3. Stir in the capers, salt, and pepper.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

9) Tuna and Caper-Stuffed Peppers

Tuna and caper-stuffed peppers make a delightful snack or appetizer. You can use cherry peppers or bell peppers based on your preference. This dish combines the rich flavor of tuna with the briny bite of capers.

To make this dish, you will need canned tuna packed in olive oil. This type of tuna adds great taste. You should also include brined capers and anchovies for extra flavor. The peppers can be pickled or fresh, depending on what you like.

These stuffed peppers are not only tasty but also colorful. They look great on a platter. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

• 2 bell peppers or cherry peppers
• 1 can tuna (5 oz / 142 g)
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons brined anchovy fillets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix tuna, capers, and anchovies.
4. Stuff the peppers with the tuna mixture.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, then serve.

10) Crispy Caper and Parsley Pasta

Crispy Caper and Parsley Pasta is a delightful dish that’s easy to make. The combination of toasted capers and fresh parsley adds great flavor and texture to your pasta.

Start by boiling your favorite pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, you can prepare the crispy capers.

Heat some oil in a pan and add capers, frying them until they turn golden and crispy.

After draining the pasta, toss it in the pan with the fried capers. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and olive oil for extra flavor.

Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest. You’ll love how simple ingredients create such a satisfying meal!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add capers and fry until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta.
5. Add the drained pasta to the pan with capers.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and toss well.
7. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice, if using.
8. Serve warm.