Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe
Imagine the vibrant colors and flavors of summer all in one bite: that’s exactly what you get with Balsamic Strawberry Caprese. This lively salad is a playful twist on a classic, marrying sweet strawberries, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil with a tangy balsamic glaze. The result is a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese comes together in minutes but delivers major wow-factor. Each component plays an important role, so the flavors and textures really shine when they’re at their best.
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color, sliced strawberries provide a delightful contrast to the savory elements.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their tangy juiciness pairs beautifully with both strawberries and mozzarella, adding a classic Caprese touch.
- Fresh mozzarella: Creamy and mild, mozzarella ties everything together; try mozzarella balls (ciliegine) for an elegant look.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn or whole, basil adds a fragrant, peppery note that elevates the entire salad.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of quality extra-virgin olive oil brings richness and helps all the flavors meld.
- Balsamic glaze: Thick, sweet, and tangy, balsamic glaze transforms this salad into something truly crave-worthy.
- Salt: Just a pinch is enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of the cheese.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and extra depth to every bite.
How to Make Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by hulling and slicing the strawberries, then halve the cherry tomatoes. The key is to keep the pieces bite-sized and roughly uniform, so every forkful gives you a balanced taste of fruit, cheese, and herbs.
Step 2: Arrange or Toss the Ingredients
In a medium bowl or on a serving platter, combine the strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. You can gently toss everything together for a rustic look, or arrange them in overlapping layers if you want to go for extra visual appeal.
Step 3: Add the Basil
Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top. You can tear them into pieces for a more casual vibe or leave them whole for a dramatic presentation—either way, they’ll add a burst of flavor and color.
Step 4: Dress It Up
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the salad. This is where the magic happens, as the sweet-tangy glaze brings all the flavors together. Don’t be shy about using a good-quality balsamic glaze for the best results.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the salad with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese immediately while everything is crisp and fresh. It’s a showstopper as an appetizer or a light side dish!
How to Serve Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Garnishes
For extra flair, you can top your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese with a few more torn basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a smattering of toasted pine nuts for crunch. A final swirl of balsamic glaze just before serving makes it truly irresistible and picture-perfect.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with rustic Italian bread, grilled fish, or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil. If you’re serving a summer spread, try it alongside grilled vegetables or a chilled white wine for a bright, refreshing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, thread the ingredients onto skewers for Balsamic Strawberry Caprese kebabs, or serve in small glasses for an elegant appetizer. You can also layer the salad on a bed of peppery arugula or microgreens for a more substantial starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day, as the strawberries and tomatoes will release juice and the mozzarella may absorb flavors.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The fresh produce and cheese won’t hold up well in the freezer, and the texture will change dramatically once thawed. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it’s been chilled, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! Burrata is a luxurious alternative if you want something extra creamy, or try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Just make sure the cheese is mild and pairs well with fruit.
What’s the best balsamic glaze to use?
A high-quality, thick balsamic glaze will make a noticeable difference. You can find bottled glazes at most grocery stores, or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey until syrupy.
Can I prepare Balsamic Strawberry Caprese ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients separately a few hours ahead, but assemble and dress the salad just before serving for maximum freshness and the best texture.
What variations can I try?
Mix in sliced peaches, swap basil for mint, or add toasted nuts for crunch. You can even try heirloom tomatoes for extra color and complexity.
Is Balsamic Strawberry Caprese suitable for special diets?
Yes! This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free. If you’re dairy-free, you can use a vegan cheese or simply omit the mozzarella for a lighter, plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning summer dish, Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is sure to win over everyone at the table. With its juicy fruit, creamy cheese, and that irresistible balsamic glaze, it’s a celebration of freshness and flavor in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it!
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Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant no-cook Italian appetizer combining sweet strawberries, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all enhanced with a drizzle of olive oil and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light starter or summer side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced or in small balls)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (torn or left whole)
Seasonings and Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl or on a serving platter, place the sliced strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. You can either gently toss to mix or arrange them carefully for an attractive presentation.
- Add Fresh Basil: Scatter the torn or whole fresh basil leaves evenly over the top to add a fragrant, herbal note that complements the fruit and cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the olive oil first, followed by the balsamic glaze over the salad, ensuring the flavors are well distributed.
- Season: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper across the salad to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the freshness.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a fresh appetizer or a light side dish, ideally chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a high-quality balsamic glaze for the best flavor impact.
- Burrata cheese can replace the mozzarella for a richer, creamier texture.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled to maintain its vibrant flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
