Oh, you guys! I am SO excited to share this recipe with you. It’s my absolute go to when I want something super fresh, a little bit fancy, but honestly, ridiculously easy. This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese salad is a game changer! It takes that amazing Caprese we all love the creamy mozzarella, the fragrant basil, the ripe tomatoes and just elevates it with juicy, sweet strawberries and a drizzle of zesty balsamic glaze. I actually came up with this one summer afternoon when I was trying to use up some beautiful strawberries and a block of fresh mozzarella. Best. Idea. Ever. Trust me, this salad is going to be your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Seriously, get ready to fall in love with this salad. Here’s why this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is a winner:
- Super Fresh & Bright: It’s like a burst of sunshine on a plate!
- Crazy Easy to Make: No serious cooking skills needed, I promise!
- Perfect Flavor Combo: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and herby all at once.
- So Versatile: Amazing as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish.
Ingredients for Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Okay, for this amazing Balsamic Strawberry Caprese, you really want to use the freshest ingredients you can find. It makes such a difference! You’ll need:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into nice rounds
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, just torn with your fingers (no need to chop!)
- 2 tablespoons good balsamic glaze – store-bought is fine, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, just a pinch, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, also to taste
Seriously, splurge on the good mozzarella; it makes all the difference in a Caprese like this.
Saucepan for Balsamic Glaze
Okay, you guys, making this salad is super simple, and you probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen! The main things are just a good sharp knife and a cutting board, of course. You’ll also want a nice serving platter to really show off this beauty; presentation is everything, right?
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Alright, let’s make this super simple, super gorgeous Balsamic Strawberry Caprese! Honestly, it’s so quick, you can whip it up in under 10 minutes. First things first, make sure your strawberries are hulled and sliced, and your fresh mozzarella is sliced into pretty rounds. And don’t forget to tear your basil leaves – it really helps release all that amazing aroma. Here’s how it all comes together! If you love quick assembly like this, check out my fresh spring rolls recipe – it’s another winner!
Assembling the Salad
Grab your favorite serving platter – I love using a shallow white one so the colors really pop! Start by arranging the mozzarella slices and those beautiful strawberry slices alternating them around the platter. Don’t worry about making it perfect; a little bit of rustic charm is totally the way to go. Then, just tuck those torn basil leaves in between the mozzarella and strawberries. It looks so pretty and smells divine already!
Dressing and Seasoning Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Now for the magic drizzle! You’re going to take your good extra virgin olive oil and give everything a lovely glug. Then, drizzle that tangy balsamic glaze all over. Seriously, this glaze is what ties the sweet strawberries and creamy mozzarella together in this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese. Finish it off with a sprinkle of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Taste a little bit of everything – mozzarella, strawberry, basil – and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Serve it up immediately and watch everyone devour it!
Tips for the Perfect Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Achieving that perfect Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is all about a few little tricks and paying attention to detail. First off, quality is KEY! Make sure your strawberries are ripe and fragrant – no sad, pale berries here, please. And that fresh mozzarella? Get the good stuff, maybe even from an Italian deli if you can. Trust me, the creamier, the better! For presentation, don’t be afraid to get a little artistic on your platter. Alternate those gorgeous red strawberries with the creamy white mozzarella, and scatter that fresh basil like confetti. It makes the whole dish pop! Also, a little heads-up: try to serve this salad pretty soon after you make it. Mozzarella can get a bit watery if it sits around too long, and nobody wants a soggy salad. If you’re interested in other healthy options, you might like my clean eating recipes. For more salad ideas, check out my salads category!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
When it comes to making your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese sing, the ingredients are really your best friends. For the mozzarella, I always go for the fresh mozzarella balls packed in water – they’re so creamy and delightful. Buffalo mozzarella is even more decadent if you can find it! And the basil? Just grab a big bunch of fresh leaves. If you can’t find fresh basil, a tiny pinch of dried basil could work in a pinch, but honestly, it’s not quite the same with fresh herbs.
Now, if strawberries aren’t your jam or aren’t in season, don’t fret! You can totally swap them out for raspberries or even some nice, ripe cherries. Just make sure they’re good quality! And about that balsamic glaze? If you don’t have it on hand, you can easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it gets nice and syrupy. Super simple!
Serving Suggestions for Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is so versatile, it’s kind of crazy! It’s seriously perfect as is for a light lunch on a warm day. I also love serving it as an appetizer when we have people over, especially during the spring and summer. It just screams “fresh and festive!” It also makes a beautiful side dish for grilled chicken or fish. If you are planning a get-together and want some lighter holiday ideas, you know where to look! Check out my light holiday recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions about Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Can I make this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese ahead of time?
Honestly, this salad is best served right after you make it. The mozzarella can get a little watery the longer it sits, and you want those strawberries to be perfectly fresh! But if you absolutely need to, you can slice your strawberries and mozzarella a few hours ahead and keep them chilled separately. Then, just assemble everything right before serving!
What kind of mozzarella is best for this salad?
For the best Balsamic Strawberry Caprese, I always recommend fresh mozzarella packed in water – the kind that looks like little white balls or sometimes a larger log. It’s so creamy and melts in your mouth! Buffalo mozzarella is also fantastic if you can find it and want to go a little extra fancy. Skip the pre-shredded stuff; it just doesn’t have that lovely creamy texture.
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Oh, absolutely! While I adore strawberries for this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese, it’s totally adaptable. Ripe raspberries or even some sweet, halved cherries would be wonderful substitutes. Just make sure whatever fruit you choose is fresh and perfectly ripe for the best flavor!
How do I make my own balsamic glaze?
Making your own balsamic glaze is super easy and really worth it! Just grab about half a cup of good balsamic vinegar and simmer it in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Let it bubble away gently until it reduces by about half and gets nice and syrupy. It’ll thicken even more as it cools. Takes about 10-15 minutes. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this delicious Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is an estimate, since it really depends on the brands you use and exactly how much you drizzle! But generally, one serving clocks in around 200-250 calories, with about 15-20g of fat, 8-10g of protein, and 5-7g of carbs. It’s a pretty light and healthy choice!
Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Arrange the sliced fresh mozzarella and sliced strawberries on a serving platter.
- Tuck the torn fresh basil leaves among the mozzarella and strawberries.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Serve immediately.