The warm season means dinner on the patio with a plate of my famous beef tri-tip recipe, a basil cucumber cocktail in hand, and fresh strawberry caprese salad. My version is a traditional caprese, but served with sweet strawberries and fresh basil. It takes less than 10 minutes to make and is a complete show-stopper. Like seriously, its so pretty!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
This Strawberry Caprese Salad isn’t your average caprese—it’s a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Strawberry Twist: Adding strawberries to traditional tomatoes adds a sweet surprise that elevates the classic caprese to new heights.
- Quick & Chic: This show-stopping salad comes together in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Perfect when in a rush!
- Big Bold Flavors: The harmonious blend of ripe strawberries, fresh mozzarella, and sweet basil, drizzled with a luscious balsamic glaze, creates a symphony of flavors that’ll leave you craving more.
- It’s gorgeous: Not only is this salad a treat for your taste buds, but its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a feast for the eyes and will wow your guests.
Key Ingredients
- Basil: Fresh basil isn’t just a garnish—it’s the fragrant star. Opt for vibrant, green leaves, and tear them (don’t chop!) to preserve those oils for maximum flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Monari Federzoni Glaze is great, or for a homemade touch, reduce balsamic vinegar with honey for a sweet-tangy drizzle that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Buffalo Mozzarella: Choose DOP buffalo mozzarella from Campania. Drain and blot before using—it should be creamy, not watery.
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Go for heavy, sweet-smelling heirlooms for juicy, old-school tomato flavor that beats store-bought varieties.
A complete list of ingredients with amounts and substitutions are in the recipe card below.
Modifications and Substitutions
- Add Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and pairs perfectly with the strawberries and balsamic, making the salad feel more luxe and filling.
- Swap Mozzarella for Burrata: For extra decadence, replace mozzarella with burrata—it’s creamy and luxurious.
- Toss in Arugula: Arugula brings a peppery kick and bulks up the salad, turning it into a more substantial meal.
- Add Toasted Walnuts: Toasted walnuts or almonds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella and strawberries.
Each tweak adds its own flair—so you can customize the salad to suit your mood, your pantry, or your guests. Looking for something more creamy? Try Japanese potato salad, or smoked gouda mac and cheese.
How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad
Step 1 Prepare the Produce: Wash and gently pat dry the heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, and fresh basil leaves. For an extra crispness, place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes after drying.
Step 2 Slice the Ingredients: Remove the stems from the tomatoes and each strawberry after rinsing them. Slice both into ½-inch thick rounds. Similarly, slice the fresh mozzarella into ½-inch thick pieces, patting them dry if the stored in liquid.
Step 3 Arrange the Salad: On a serving plate, alternate slices of fresh tomato, mozzarella, and strawberry. Position strawberries adjacent to different colored tomato slices for a vibrant presentation. Scatter a few whole cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves on top for added color and flavor.
Step 4 Season the Salad: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the arranged ingredients. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 5 Add Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a modest amount of balsamic reduction, such as Monari Federzoni Balsamic Reduction, over the salad. Its sweet and tangy profile complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Step 6 Chill and Serve: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the assembled salad for about 10 minutes before serving. For extra crisp and fresh-tasting produce, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes after drying. This brief chilling period melts the flavors and enhances the salad’s refreshing quality.
Pro Tip
For extra crisp and fresh-tasting produce, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes after drying. This brief chilling period melts the flavors and enhances the salad’s refreshing quality.
Tips for The Best Strawberry Caprese
- Basil: Choose fresh vibrant, fragrant leaves and gently tear them by hand to preserve essential oils and boost aroma.
- Balsamic Glaze: Simmer balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until syrupy—this sweet-tangy finish perfectly balances the salad’s freshness.
- Buffalo Mozzarella: Use authentic DOP mozzarella from Campania, Italy. Drain and pat dry to keep the salad from getting watery and to highlight its rich, creamy flavor. Try my air fryer cheese sticks for more cheese goodness.
- Heirloom Tomatoes: Pick ones that feel heavy for their size—it’s a sign of ripeness and flavor. Slice evenly for great texture and presentation.
How to Store Strawberry Caprese Leftovers
- Store Separately If Possible: If you haven’t mixed everything yet, store the strawberries, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil separately to prevent sogginess and preserve texture.
- Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the assembled salad into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This will keep moisture and air out, helping the ingredients stay fresh for up to 1–2 days.
- Add Basil & Glaze Fresh: Basil wilts quickly and balsamic glaze can get runny—so add both fresh just before serving leftovers to keep the salad vibrant and flavorful.
- Drain Excess Moisture: Before eating leftovers, gently drain or blot any excess liquid that’s gathered to refresh the texture and avoid a soggy bite.
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Pin It NowCommonly Asked Questions
Sure, you can prep the ingredients ahead! Just slice your strawberries, mozzarella, and basil, then store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and drizzle everything fresh right before serving to keep that perfect texture.
If you’re craving a bit more creaminess, burrata is a fabulous swap. It has a soft, luxurious feel that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.
s soft, luxurious texture
A drizzle of balsamic reduction really elevates this salad. It adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making each bite more magical, creating a balance of sweet and tangy.
Conclusion
This strawberry caprese salad is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant flavors. With juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic reduction, it’s both simple and elegant. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it at your next gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Trust me, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every bite!
Have you tried this recipe yet? If so, let me know in the comments how it turned out. I would love to hear about your experience and any variations you have tried. Check out my other mouthwatering soup and salad recipes and other easy recipes like easy hamburger helper on my blog for more delicious inspiration.
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Strawberry Caprese Salad With Balsamic
Ingredients
- 3 ech Heirloom (or Beefsteak) tomatoes
- 1 bunch cherry tomatoes
- 1 basket fresh strawberries
- 1 pd fresh mozzarella
- 1 jar fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1 bunch fresh basil – whole.
- 1 tbsp olive oil, splash
- 1 tsp salt + pepper, to taste
- 1 count Drizzle: Monari Federzoni Balsamic Reduction, or traditional balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- To start this easy caprese salad Wash and clean the fresh basil, tomatoes. I like to place washed produce on an absorbent kitchen towel or paper towels and lightly pat dry. The dryer produce is before being mixing in the better. Pro Tip: Throw produce into the freezer to crisp up for 10 min.
- Pluck off the thick stem of the tomatoes and ripe strawberries. Slice each into thick 1/2'“ half circles. You want each of your raw tomatoes to be the thickness of a piece of a steak and a good mouth full when cut with a knife and fork.
- Rip – The fresh basil leaves from the stems being careful to leave the leaves whole as needed. It’s okay if a few are double leafed. Use these to garnish as a finishing touch.
- Slice – Fresh mozzarella into similar half circles and at the same thickness. I like to pat the fresh mozzarella dry if it came out of the storing liquid.
- Arrange – on a small salad plate the tomato, then mozzarella, strawberry, and basil. I like to place strawberries next to a different color tomato. Rotate this so that you get at least 2 of each on a plate. Sprinkle sliced strawberries and cherry tomatoes as you see fit to elevate this simple dish to a five start experience.
- Add a balsamic glaze. It’s sweet and delicious. A little goes a long way, so don’t use too much. But it is the secret ingredient for a fresh strawberry caprese salad.
- Season + Garnish – with cracked black pepper a pinch of salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil – but just a splash. Then the best part….
Notes
- Don’t buy pre-sliced mozzarella that is not in water if you want an authentic, fresh taste!
- For the perfect Caprese salad, get fresh mozzarella (in water) and slice it into half circles of the same thickness. I like patting the fresh mozzarella dry if it comes from the stored liquid.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Don’t buy pre-sliced mozzarella that is not in water if you want an authentic, fresh taste!
For the perfect Caprese salad, get fresh mozzarella (in water) and slice it into half circles of the same thickness. I like patting the fresh mozzarella dry if it comes from the stored liquid.
This is stunning!