Description
This vibrant balsamic strawberry caprese salad is a delightful summer twist on the classic Italian favorite. Sweet, juicy strawberries replace traditional tomatoes, creating a perfect balance with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil. Drizzled with rich balsamic glaze, this colorful, no-cook dish is ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (balls or sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash thoroughly, remove green tops, and slice into 1/4-inch pieces. For smaller berries, simply cut in half.
- Prepare the mozzarella: Slice large mozzarella balls into 1/4-inch rounds. If using smaller pearls, leave whole or cut in half if too large.
- Arrange the salad: On a serving platter, alternate layers of sliced strawberries and mozzarella for a beautiful presentation. Create a circular pattern or arrange in rows.
- Add the basil: Scatter fresh basil leaves over the strawberries and mozzarella. Tear larger leaves into smaller pieces to release their aromatic oils.
- Drizzle and season: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the arranged ingredients, followed by the balsamic glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve right away to enjoy the fresh ingredients at their peak.
Notes
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients: ripe but firm strawberries, fresh mozzarella, and authentic balsamic glaze. Make your own balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until reduced by half. Try adding toasted pine nuts or candied pecans for extra texture. For a more substantial meal, serve with crusty bread or add grilled chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: balsamic strawberry caprese salad, strawberry caprese, summer salad, no-cook recipe, fresh strawberry recipe, caprese variation, easy appetizer, vegetarian salad