Picture the freshest strawberries, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all coming together in a vibrant, summer-kissed salad—the Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is pure sunshine in a bowl. This quick, no-cook appetizer lets every ingredient shine, with sweet and tangy flavors dancing under a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze. Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner or need a show-stopper for brunch, this salad is as easy to make as it is impressive on the table.

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is all about gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients with bold colors and flavors that pop. Each bite delivers something a little special, so don’t skimp on using the best you can find—the magic really is in the details here!

Fresh Strawberries (1 cup, hulled and sliced): Sweet and fragrant strawberries add a juicy, unexpected twist that makes this salad feel like summer in every bite.
Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These burst with flavor and add a tart contrast to the berries, balancing sweetness and acidity perfectly.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (8 ounces, halved): Bocconcini are creamy and mild—they soak up all the dressing and tie everything together beautifully.
Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup, torn): This bright, aromatic herb lifts the whole salad and adds that classic Caprese touch.
Balsamic Glaze (2 tablespoons): A concentrated, syrupy drizzle that brings depth, tang, and a little sweetness. Store-bought is convenient, but go for the best you can find.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Rich and peppery, it melds the flavors and gives the salad its luxurious texture.
Pinch of Salt: A tiny sprinkle sharpens and enhances all the flavors, making the produce taste even sweeter.
Pinch of Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle hint of spice that lingers on your palate—don’t skip this finishing touch!

How to Make Balsamic Strawberry Caprese

Step 1: Assemble the Ingredients

Start by meticulously prepping your produce: hull and slice the strawberries, halve the cherry tomatoes, and split the mozzarella balls in half. Tear the basil leaves by hand to keep their delicate fragrance intact. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes assembly a breeze and keeps the salad looking fresh and lively.

Step 2: Toss the Base

In a medium bowl, combine those gorgeous strawberries, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Gently toss them together—don’t overwork it, you want everything lightly mixed, not mushed. This simple step lets all the colors and textures mingle without getting soggy.

Step 3: Add the Dressing

Drizzle the rich, sticky balsamic glaze and glistening extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper on top. This combo isn’t shy—it elevates the fruit and cheese, ensuring every bite is vibrant, tangy, and utterly satisfying.

Step 4: Final Toss and Serve

Give the salad one last gentle toss to coat all the ingredients with that luscious dressing. Serve the Balsamic Strawberry Caprese immediately to keep everything crisp and fresh. It’s perfect piled onto a platter or scooped into individual bowls for an eye-catching starter.

How to Serve Balsamic Strawberry Caprese

Garnishes

Add an extra flourish with a few more torn basil leaves right before serving, or a delicate drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for dramatic effect. A twist of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the final presentation, making your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair the salad with crusty sourdough or toasted baguette slices to soak up those irresistible juices. If you’re serving it as part of a bigger spread, it complements grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a classic Italian pasta beautifully. The cool, creamy flavors are a lovely contrast to anything hot off the grill.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation by threading the ingredients onto skewers for party-ready Caprese bites, serving them in mini mason jars for a picnic, or arranging everything on a long wooden board for a rustic, grazing-style appetizer. The bold colors and glossy balsamic glaze make Balsamic Strawberry Caprese truly irresistible however you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Balsamic Strawberry Caprese leftovers (which is honestly rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld even more, though the strawberries and tomatoes may soften a bit after sitting with the dressing. Aim to enjoy within 1 day for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well—the fresh mozzarella, berries, and tomatoes all lose their crispness and become waterlogged once thawed. It’s truly best made and enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Balsamic Strawberry Caprese since it’s at its best served cold or at room temperature. If chilled, just let it sit out for a few minutes to remove the chill before serving, which helps the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of bocconcini?

Absolutely! If you don’t have mozzarella balls on hand, slice up a log of fresh mozzarella into small cubes. It will still lend that delicious creaminess you want in a great Balsamic Strawberry Caprese.

Is there a good substitute for balsamic glaze?

If you can’t get your hands on balsamic glaze, you can simmer regular balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until it reduces by half and achieves a syrupy consistency. Just let it cool before using—it brings the same sweet tang!

What other herbs can I add to this salad?

Basil is classic, but you can also experiment with fresh mint or even a few leaves of arugula for a peppery twist. Just be sure not to overwhelm the delicate balance—the focus should always stay on the main stars in this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep the ingredients a few hours ahead and keep them separate in the fridge. Wait to toss everything together with the glaze and seasoning until just before serving to preserve the texture and keep the salad from getting watery.

Does this work as a main course?

It can absolutely be enjoyed as a light lunch or quick dinner on a hot day, especially when paired with crusty bread or served over a bed of greens for extra heartiness. The Balsamic Strawberry Caprese’s satisfying mix of fruit, cheese, and fresh herbs makes it a truly versatile dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a salad, Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is waiting for you! It’s simple, stunning, and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to grab a forkful. Give it a whirl—your summer table will thank you.

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this delightful Balsamic Strawberry Caprese salad. Fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella come together with basil and a balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Strawberry Caprese:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Dressing:

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Add basil leaves and gently toss.
Add Dressing: Drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss lightly to coat.
Serve: Enjoy immediately as an appetizer or side dish.