Strawberry Caprese Salad

15 minutes

Strawberry Caprese Salad is one of our summer favorites.

Sweet, juicy strawberries paired with fresh mozzarella, chopped basil, and a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette…this salad is a fun, fresh twist on a classic.

It’s perfect for summer picnics, cookouts, or parties, and a delicious way to take advantage of fresh strawberry season. If you love traditional caprese, you’ll love everything about this sweet and savory Strawberry Caprese Salad!

When it comes to favorite summer foods, caprese salad is always at the top of my list. There’s something about the combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil that gets me every time. It’s exactly how summer should taste.

And. One of my favorite things about it? It’s SO versatile. Not only can you add different ingredients to the classic combo to jazz things up, but you can also swap out the tomatoes for just about anything. Like blueberries, peaches, or…in the case of this salad…strawberries!

Because as much as I love the tomato/basil/mozzarella combo…I have to admit there’s something about the sweetness of strawberries (or any fruit, for that matter) that’s seriously delicious. And puts a whole new twist on caprese!

This Strawberry Caprese Salad is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts, picnics, or dinners with friends. And it can easily be turned into main dish by adding chicken, shrimp, or any protein of your choosing.

Best of all, this salad is not only fresh and delicious, but it couldn’t be easier to make. It comes together in minutes and can be made in advance to avoid any last minute stress. Are you sold!?

WHAT IS CAPRESE SALAD?

Traditional caprese salad is an Italian salad that combines sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and a simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, and pepper. It can also be dressed with a balsamic reduction or vinaigrette.

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS RECIPE?

• Fresh strawberries
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Pepper

HOW DO YOU MAKE STRAWBERRY CAPRESE SALAD?

1. Remove stems from strawberries and cut into quarters.
2. Drain fresh mozzarella; combine strawberries and mozzarella in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Add chopped basil.
4. Mix ingredients for vinaigrette and drizzle over salad.
5. Enjoy!

WHAT KIND OF MOZZARELLA DO YOU USE?

Caprese Salad is made with fresh mozzarella, and there are a number of different varieties. (For this recipe I used Ciliegine Fresh Mozzarella Balls.)

• Ovoline Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Egg size ball packed in water.
• Bocconcini Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Bite size ball packed in water.
• Ciliegine Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Cherry size ball packed in water.
• Perlini Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Pearl size ball packed in water.
• Fresh Mozzarella Logs
• Sliced Mozzarella Logs

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE WITH A BALSAMIC REDUCTION?

Yes! Caprese Salad is often made with a balsamic reduction that is drizzled over the top of the ingredients. I decided to make a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette instead, since making a vinaigrette is easier than making or finding a reduction and also does a better job coating the ingredients. If you prefer a balsamic reduction you can feel free to substitute.

CAN I MAKE IT IN ADVANCE?

Yes, this recipe is easy to make in advance. Simply combine the fresh mozzarella, quartered strawberries, and chopped basil in a container with a lid. Mix the vinaigrette separately and store both in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Before serving, drizzle the salad with the dressing and mix to combine.

HOW LONG CAN I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Leftovers will last up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

LOOKING FOR OTHER CAPRESE RECIPES? HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES!

• Caprese Corn Salad
• Caprese Peach Salad
• Caprese Quiche
• Caprese Tacos
• Caprese Guacamole
• Caprese Tuna Salad

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE OTHER STRAWBERRY SALADS!

• Strawberry Cucumber Salad
• Strawberry Brie Spinach Salad
• Strawberry Bacon Blue Cheese Salad
• Summer Strawberry Salad

Strawberry Caprese Salad

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Strawberry Caprese Salad is one of our summer favorites. Sweet, juicy strawberries paired with fresh mozzarella, chopped basil, and a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette...this salad is a fun, fresh twist on a classic.

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Ingredients

• 2 c. fresh strawberries, quartered
• 16 oz. fresh mozzarella
• 1/2 c. fresh chopped basil
• 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Instructions

1. Combine strawberries, mozzarella, and basil in a medium mixing bowl.
2. In a small container with a lid, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and pepper. Shake well.
3. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and mix to combine.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 291mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 11g