Imagine the classic caprese salad, but given a luscious, sun-kissed twist—this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese combines juicy strawberries, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a glossy balsamic glaze in one refreshing bite. It’s the sort of colorful, flavor-packed dish that instantly brightens your table and delights every palate, perfectly balancing sweet, tangy, and savory elements for a simple yet extraordinary summer salad you’ll want to share at every gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is carefully chosen to bring out the best in each flavor and texture, so it’s worth seeking out the freshest ingredients you can find. You don’t need a long shopping list or fancy techniques—just a handful of star players that, together, make magic in a bowl.
- Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries for the perfect juicy sweetness that complements the tangy balsamic glaze.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a refreshing burst and a beautiful pop of color alongside the berries.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): These creamy, mild cheese rounds offer satisfying richness and contrast to the fruit.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn or thinly sliced basil brings in herbal freshness and that unmistakable summery aroma.
- Balsamic glaze: A thick, glossy finish of concentrated balsamic reduction is absolutely key for both tang and sweetness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a velvety coating and subtle fruitiness, tying all the flavors together.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Just a pinch of each wakes up every other flavor in the salad.
How to Make Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by hulling and slicing your strawberries and halving the cherry tomatoes. Take a moment to savor the vibrant reds—this is the easiest way to get excited about cooking. Try to slice everything so the sizes are roughly similar; this way, every forkful of Balsamic Strawberry Caprese has a balanced mix of flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, and drained fresh mozzarella balls. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or a soft spatula, taking care not to crush the fruit or cheese. This gentle touch preserves those juicy textures that make the salad sing.
Step 3: Add Fresh Basil and Dress
Sprinkle the torn or sliced basil leaves over your fruit and cheese mixture. Then, drizzle the balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil evenly over the top. These liquids will create a gorgeous, glossy coating and infuse the salad with irresistible aromas.
Step 4: Season and Toss
Finish by adding a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything lightly, just enough to distribute the dressing and seasonings without bruising the more delicate ingredients. The salad is now ready to shine on your table!
Step 5: Optional Chill
If you’d like the Balsamic Strawberry Caprese to be extra refreshing—or if you want to give the flavors more time to meld—cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 30 minutes before serving. Just be sure not to leave it too long, as the strawberries are best enjoyed fresh and juicy.
How to Serve Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Garnishes
For that extra touch of elegance, scatter a few more basil ribbons or a drizzle of additional balsamic glaze just before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the final bite, and even a few fresh-cracked black peppercorns add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cheerful salad loves company! Pair your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese with warm toasted bread, crisp crostini, or even a slab of rustic focaccia to help soak up every last bit of balsamic glaze. It’s also wonderful alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a light pasta for a summer supper.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, party-friendly twist, try threading all the components onto skewers for mini caprese kabobs. Serve in individual clear cups or mason jars for outdoor gatherings, or layer everything on a platter for a family-style buffet presentation that will get plenty of “oohs” and “aahs.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. The salad will still taste good the next day, but the strawberries and basil are at their most vibrant when freshly made.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a candidate for freezing, as both the strawberries and mozzarella tend to lose their appetizing textures after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese fresh or within a day of making it.
Reheating
No need to reheat! This is a chilled, no-cook salad that’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the fridge, simply give it a gentle stir and let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is classic, you can swap in creamy burrata, soft goat cheese, or even feta for a unique twist on the traditional Balsamic Strawberry Caprese. Adjust the salt and dressing to taste, especially if your chosen cheese is saltier.
What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is a reduction of balsamic vinegar that becomes thick, sweet, and syrupy—perfect for drizzling. Using glaze in your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese ensures each bite has a concentrated burst of tangy-sweet flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can assemble most of the salad (strawberries, tomatoes, mozzarella) up to a few hours ahead, but wait until just before serving to add the basil and dress everything. This keeps the herbs and the fruit tasting their absolute best.
Is Balsamic Strawberry Caprese suitable for a picnic?
It’s a fantastic picnic dish! Just keep the salad chilled in a cooler and consider bringing the dressing in a separate container to toss at the last minute. This keeps the ingredients fresh and vibrant, even outdoors on a warm day.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can! Swap the mozzarella for a plant-based vegan mozzarella or cubes of creamy avocado—either way, you’ll keep the spirit and summery charm of Balsamic Strawberry Caprese intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about sharing a bowl of Balsamic Strawberry Caprese—bright, unexpected, and packed with both comfort and surprise in every forkful. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether you’re impressing friends at a picnic or simply craving something fresh and uplifting for yourself!
Print
Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese salad is a delightful twist on the classic caprese, featuring sweet strawberries, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Gently toss to mix.
- Add the fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss lightly to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the strawberries and tomatoes in a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for 15 minutes before assembling.
- Use high-quality balsamic glaze for the best taste.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or toasted bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
