There is something so refreshingly delightful about a Strawberry Caprese Salad—juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a kiss of balsamic glaze, all coming together in a vibrant, Italian-inspired summer dish. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a backyard dinner, or simply treating yourself to a colorful midday boost, this recipe is a breezy, feel-good way to make fresh flavors the star of your table. Each bite balances sweet and savory, crisp and creamy, for a truly unforgettable salad experience!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines thanks to a handful of fresh, top-quality ingredients; each one has its own magic, and together, they create an explosion of color, texture, and taste. Selecting the freshest produce and cheese truly lets every component sing.
- Fresh strawberries: Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for natural sweetness and a gorgeous red hue that brightens up the bowl.
- Mozzarella balls: Bocconcini or ciliegine add creamy, mild richness; halved, they catch all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh basil leaves: Basil is essential for its aromatic, peppery notes—use whole leaves for dramatic presentation, or tear for extra fragrance.
- Balsamic glaze: This syrupy reduction brings a touch of tangy sweetness and coats everything with a glossy finish.
- Olive oil: A fruity, good-quality olive oil ties all the salad’s flavors together and gives an irresistible sheen.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t skip seasoning—these simple touches heighten all the other flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by washing and hulling your strawberries, slicing each one in half or quarters, depending on their size. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat dry for maximum creaminess. Give your basil leaves a gentle wash and either keep them whole for visual appeal or tear them for a punch of fragrance.
Step 2: Combine in a Large Bowl or Platter
Arrange the strawberries, mozzarella halves, and basil in a large serving bowl or scatter artfully on a platter. This is your chance to play with colors—layer the red, white, and green for a stunning presentation reminiscent of the Italian flag.
Step 3: Drizzle and Toss
Drizzle olive oil lavishly over the salad, followed by the balsamic glaze. These simple ingredients double as both a dressing and a flavor booster. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or two large spoons to ensure a glossy, even coating without breaking up the mozzarella or bruising the basil.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finish off your Strawberry Caprese Salad with a sprinkling of salt and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Taste and adjust until the flavors pop. Serve immediately, while the salad is at its freshest and most vibrant—a celebration of summer!
How to Serve Strawberry Caprese Salad
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few extra torn basil leaves can really elevate the flavors and make the salad look even more inviting. You might also add some freshly cracked black pepper or a zesting of lemon for brightness.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile: pair it with crusty Italian bread, grilled chicken, or even a chilled glass of rosé. The Strawberry Caprese Salad also makes a stunning starter for a larger meal or a festive addition to a summer brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try threading strawberries, mozzarella, and basil onto skewers for easy, elegant finger food. Or serve in individual cocktail glasses for a playful, sophisticated twist on classic salad presentation. A rustic platter covered with layers of all the ingredients also works beautifully for buffets and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Strawberry Caprese Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its freshness for a day, though the basil may wilt and strawberries may soften—so it’s best enjoyed soon after making.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended, as both strawberries and mozzarella lose their texture and become watery once thawed. This salad is all about freshness, so make just enough to enjoy right away or share with friends and family.
Reheating
This dish is at its best chilled or at room temperature; reheating is neither needed nor recommended. If it’s been refrigerated, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring all the flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! While bocconcini or ciliegine offer perfect bite-sized portions, you can use a larger ball of fresh mozzarella torn into pieces. Even burrata adds creamy decadence to the Strawberry Caprese Salad.
What if I can’t find balsamic glaze?
No worries! You can easily make your own balsamic reduction by simmering regular balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens. This brings all the sweetness and tang of the store-bought version.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
As written, the recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the mozzarella. For a vegan version, swap in a plant-based mozzarella or try cubes of avocado for a creamy addition.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can wash and prep the ingredients a few hours ahead, but for the best flavor and texture, assemble and dress the Strawberry Caprese Salad just before serving.
How do I pick the best strawberries for this salad?
Look for strawberries that are deeply red, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch—all sure signs of ripeness. These will deliver the juiciest, most flavorful bite in your Strawberry Caprese Salad.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Strawberry Caprese Salad the next time you’re craving something fresh, light, and beautiful. It’s a true celebration of summer flavors, made to share and savor—so grab your favorite ingredients, gather some friends, and make this colorful classic your own!
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Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic caprese salad, this Strawberry Caprese Salad combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect dish for summer gatherings or a light and refreshing side.
Ingredients
Strawberry Caprese Salad:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (whole or torn)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl or platter, combine the halved strawberries, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Toss or Arrange: Gently toss to coat or arrange neatly for presentation.
- Season: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side.
Notes
- For a more savory twist, add a few grinds of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- You can substitute balsamic glaze with a reduction made from regular balsamic vinegar if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
