Meet your new summer obsession: Strawberry Caprese Salad. This vibrant dish is a playful twist on the classic Caprese, swapping juicy strawberries in for tomatoes and tossing in creamy mozzarella, peppery basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and fresh — ideal for backyard gatherings, lunchtime upgrades, or a quick and gorgeous starter. If you love dishes that are incredibly easy, endlessly adaptable, and bursting with color and flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for this summer salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberry Caprese Salad proves that just a handful of beautiful ingredients can make magic together. Every component is key, and each one brings its own special character — sweet, fresh, creamy, or zippy — turning a few fresh items into something extraordinary.
- Fresh strawberries: Look for ripe, juicy berries for the sweetest bite and brightest color.
- Cherry tomatoes: These add a juicy, tart contrast to the strawberries while keeping with the Caprese tradition.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini): Their creamy texture is a wonderful counterbalance to the fruit; slice if you’re using larger pieces.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn or julienned, basil brings signature herbiness and a pop of green.
- Balsamic glaze: This thick, tangy-sweet syrup ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Just a drizzle lends a rich silkiness to the salad.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Start with a light sprinkle and adjust to taste to brighten up every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by giving your strawberries and cherry tomatoes a gentle rinse under cold water. Hull and halve the strawberries, and halve the cherry tomatoes for easy, bite-sized pieces that soak up the dressing. This little bit of care ensures your Strawberry Caprese Salad tastes and looks fantastic.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a spacious salad bowl, add the halved strawberries, halved cherry tomatoes, and drained mozzarella balls. This colorful trio lays the foundation for that show-stopping mix of sweet, tart, and creamy in every bite.
Step 3: Add Fresh Basil
Scatter torn or julienned basil leaves over the mix. Basil is more than garnish here; it’s that fragrant burst of summer that wakes up every mouthful. If you want extra basil goodness, add a few whole leaves in for visual flair.
Step 4: Dress It All Up
Drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze. Lightly season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The combination of sweet, syrupy glaze and rich olive oil enhances both the fruit and cheese, making each forkful irresistibly flavorful.
Step 5: Toss Gently and Serve
Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together, taking care not to crush the strawberries or cheese. Everything should be evenly coated but still hold its shape. You can serve Strawberry Caprese Salad immediately, or chill it for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors mingle (and for a refreshingly cool summer treat).
How to Serve Strawberry Caprese Salad
Garnishes
Top your Strawberry Caprese Salad with a shower of extra basil, a few more twists of black pepper, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for crunch. For something special, a little lemon zest or toasted nuts can add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside all things grilled — think skewers, chicken, or salmon — but it’s also right at home with crusty bread, herby focaccia, or a bowl of al dente pasta. The salad’s bright flavors cut through richness, making it an ideal summer table companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this showstopper family-style on a big platter, or get fancy by layering it in individual glass jars for backyard picnics. For parties, try threading strawberries, mozzarella, and tomatoes on skewers, drizzling each with balsamic glaze, for portable Strawberry Caprese Salad bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Strawberry Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep nicely for about a day. The flavors may meld and soften a bit, but it’s still delicious.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, since both strawberries and mozzarella lose their ideal texture when thawed. The vibrance of a fresh Strawberry Caprese Salad just can’t be duplicated from frozen.
Reheating
Because it’s a no-cook salad, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply give the salad a gentle toss if the dressing has settled, and serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
What’s the best substitute for bocconcini mozzarella in Strawberry Caprese Salad?
If you can’t find bocconcini, try using cubed fresh mozzarella or even luscious burrata. Both offer that creamy, mild flavor you want, and sliced mozzarella can be cut into chunks for a rustic feel.
Can I make Strawberry Caprese Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the mozzarella with your favorite plant-based mozzarella alternative, and check that your balsamic glaze is vegan-friendly. The salad will still pop with incredible flavor and color.
How far in advance can I prepare Strawberry Caprese Salad?
You can prep most of the ingredients a few hours ahead — just keep them separate and assemble right before serving. The strawberries and mozzarella especially will benefit from being dressed just before you eat.
What can I use if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, try using a few teaspoons of aged balsamic vinegar (it’s naturally a bit thicker and sweeter), or make your own glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar with a spoonful of honey until thick and syrupy.
Is Strawberry Caprese Salad gluten-free?
Yes, as written this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for picnics, parties, or anyone with dietary restrictions. Just double check if you’re using a store-bought balsamic glaze, as some brands add thickeners containing gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a salad that is light, surprising, and utterly tasty, give Strawberry Caprese Salad a try. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can bring a little summer sunshine to any meal — and your friends and family will love every bite.
Print
Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 aromatic basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil. It’s a perfect summer dish that’s bursting with flavors.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or julienned
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss gently.
- Add Basil and Dressing: Add basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss everything together. Chill for a few minutes if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute burrata or sliced fresh mozzarella for the bocconcini.
- For added sweetness, consider a drizzle of honey or aged balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
