Why You’ll Love Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe

The sweet‑savory contrast is delightful—strawberries play the place of tomatoes and add natural sweetness.
It’s fast and easy to assemble with minimal cooking or prep.
Fresh ingredients let the flavors shine: basil, mozzarella, and balsamic combine beautifully.
It makes a light side dish or starter that works well in warm weather.
You can easily customize or scale it for casual meals or entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Strawberries
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh basil
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Honey or a touch of sweetener (optional)
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Rinse and dry the strawberries, remove stems, then slice them (halves or quarters depending on size).
Drain the mozzarella (if packed in liquid) and slice or use small mozzarella balls.
Tear or chiffonade the basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper to make a dressing.
In a large bowl, combine strawberries, mozzarella, and basil.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Let it rest for about 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 4 to 6 servings
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

Add mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries) for extra color and flavor.
Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Add greens like arugula or spinach to make it more substantial.
Scatter toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans) for crunch.
Swap the dressing: try using a balsamic reduction/glaze instead of a vinaigrette.
Use alternative cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a tangier twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It’s best eaten within 1 day, as strawberries release juice and basil may wilt.
Don’t dress it until right before serving to keep textures intact.
There is no reheating—serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of strawberries should I use?

Use fully ripe, sweet strawberries that are firm but juicy—avoid overly soft or mushy berries.

Can I use another cheese besides mozzarella?

Yes. Burrata, goat cheese, or even crumbled feta can work nicely to vary texture and flavor.

Should I use balsamic reduction or regular balsamic vinegar?

Both work. A reduction gives more syrupy sweetness, while regular balsamic (with olive oil) is lighter and easier.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead (slice strawberries, drain mozzarella, prepare dressing), but assemble and dress close to serving time to avoid sogginess.

Will the strawberries turn the mozzarella pink?

Possibly, if they rest together too long. That’s why dressing just before serving is ideal.

How long will leftovers last?

Best eaten within a day. The berries will soften and release juice, affecting texture.

Can I omit the honey or sweetener in the dressing?

Yes—especially if your strawberries are very sweet. Adjust to taste.

Is it okay to use frozen strawberries?

Not ideal—frozen berries release extra moisture and become mushy on thawing.

What pairs well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, fish, crusty bread, or simply enjoy it as a light starter.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes—you can scale all components proportionally, but keep dressings separate until serving.

Conclusion

This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is an elegant and simple salad that brings together fresh seasonal flavors with little effort. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for warmer days or entertaining. When you want something light but flavorful, this salad delivers. If you try it, you can experiment with toppings or dressings to make it your own.

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese

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A fresh twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese combines sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect as a summer appetizer or light side dish.