If you’re searching for a dish that captures the pure essence of summer on a plate, Strawberry Caprese Salad is destined to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy strawberries mingling with the creamy, mild richness of fresh mozzarella, all complemented by sweet cherry tomatoes and the fragrant lift of basil. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze, this vibrant salad is both refreshingly light and gorgeously colorful — a showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. Whether you’re hosting a sunny brunch, a romantic dinner, or simply treating yourself, Strawberry Caprese Salad offers a delicious twist on a classic that’s bound to delight every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A handful of carefully chosen, high-quality ingredients is all you need to make Strawberry Caprese Salad truly shine. Each component brings a distinct flavor and touch, melding together to create a salad that’s bright, balanced, and beautiful.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose sweet, ripe berries for a succulent burst of flavor that truly sets this salad apart.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): Their soft, creamy texture offers a luxurious counterpoint to the vibrant fruit—drain well for best results.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they echo the strawberries while adding a pop of classic caprese flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn just before adding, basil infuses every bite with a fragrant, peppery freshness you can’t skip.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a really good one! Its fruity richness brings everything together beautifully.
- Balsamic Glaze: A tangy-sweet drizzle gives the salad its irresistible finishing touch—don’t be shy with it.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Those delicate crystals instantly elevate flavors and add a pleasing crunch.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just a sprinkle brings a gentle warmth and completes the dish.
How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by hulling and halving your strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Tear your fresh basil leaves right before using so their aroma stays bold and lively. Drain your mozzarella balls thoroughly to keep the salad from becoming watery—these small steps make a big difference in the freshness and texture of Strawberry Caprese Salad.
Step 2: Combine the Basics
In a large serving bowl or, for extra wow factor, on a beautiful platter, gently toss together the strawberries, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and torn basil. Arrange them in a pattern if you’re feeling artistic, or mix gently for a more rustic look—the choice is yours.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil evenly across your assembled mixture. Follow with a generous zigzag of balsamic glaze. The combination of these two brings out the best in both the fruit and cheese, adding depth and a luscious sheen to your Strawberry Caprese Salad.
Step 4: Season & Serve
Sprinkle the entire salad with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Go lightly at first—you can always add more! Toss everything gently just before serving, or let the colors and shapes shine by leaving it arranged. Serve immediately, at room temperature, for the brightest flavors and softest mozzarella.
How to Serve Strawberry Caprese Salad
Garnishes
Sometimes, a simple garnish is all you need to make Strawberry Caprese Salad look and taste like a showstopper. Try scattering a handful of microgreens, extra torn basil, or even a few edible flowers over the top. For a savory kick, a few wispy ribbons of prosciutto pair irresistibly with the sweet and creamy elements.
Side Dishes
Pair Strawberry Caprese Salad with crusty bread, herby focaccia, or a light pasta dressed with olive oil. It’s equally delightful as an accompaniment to grilled chicken, shrimp, or lemony fish. For a meat-free spread, consider adding a plate of roasted vegetables or a citrusy grain salad—something bright and simple to let the salad shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, try serving Strawberry Caprese Salad in individual clear glasses or on small appetizer skewers for party bites. Layer it in jars for a picnic-ready treat, or set it atop a bed of baby arugula for even more color and flavor. Any way you serve it, guests will be enchanted by how this salad captures true summer beauty in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made more Strawberry Caprese Salad than you can eat in one sitting (it happens to the best of us!), transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The salad will keep its lovely color and flavor for about a day, although the berries will soften a bit over time.
Freezing
Freezing Strawberry Caprese Salad is not recommended. Both strawberries and fresh mozzarella lose their delightful textures once thawed, becoming watery and less appetizing. It’s best to make just enough to enjoy fresh, as intended.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Strawberry Caprese Salad, as it’s at its most delicious when served cold or at room temperature. In fact, bringing it out of the fridge a few minutes before eating helps the flavors bloom and makes the textures just perfect.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes! While mozzarella is classic, you could substitute with burrata for extra creaminess or even a mild goat cheese for a little tang. Just be sure to stick with fresh, mild cheeses that let the strawberries shine.
What’s the best way to make balsamic glaze if I don’t have any?
It’s easy to make your own balsamic glaze—just simmer 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half and nicely thickened, about 10 minutes. Cool before drizzling over your Strawberry Caprese Salad.
Can I prepare Strawberry Caprese Salad in advance?
You can prep all the ingredients and store them separately for a few hours, but for the freshest taste and texture, assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving. This keeps everything vibrant and prevents sogginess.
What’s the secret to making a truly great Strawberry Caprese Salad?
It all comes down to ingredient quality! Use strawberries that are fully ripe and fragrant, fresh mozzarella packed in water, and aromatic basil. A good olive oil and real balsamic glaze only add to the magic.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the natural sweetness of strawberries, and the bite-size mozzarella and tomatoes make it fun and easy for small hands to enjoy. Just go easy on the black pepper or skip it for extra little ones.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried a Strawberry Caprese Salad yet, now’s the perfect time to let this delicious, sun-kissed salad win you over. It’s proof that simple ingredients and a few creative twists can transform a classic into something truly special. I hope you’ll give it a spot at your next gathering—or treat yourself to this burst of summer on an ordinary day.
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Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Strawberry Caprese Salad combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Fresh Mozzarella Balls:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
Cherry Tomatoes:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh Basil Leaves:
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl or platter, mix strawberries, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves.
- Drizzle: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season: Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
- Toss or Arrange: Gently toss to combine or arrange decoratively for serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a savory-sweet twist, add thinly sliced prosciutto.
- You can also grill the strawberries briefly to deepen their sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
