Can I use balsamic glaze instead of making the dressing?

Absolutely! A good quality store-bought balsamic glaze works wonderfully as a time-saver. Just drizzle it over the salad right before serving. You might want to add a light drizzle of olive oil separately since the glaze is already reduced and concentrated.

What's the best type of mozzarella to use for this salad?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal for this recipe. You can use the small pearl-sized balls (bocconcini), the slightly larger cherry-sized balls (ciliegine), or a large ball cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid using low-moisture mozzarella as it doesn't have the same creamy texture that complements the strawberries.

How do I pick the best strawberries for this salad?

Look for strawberries that are fully red with no white patches, have a bright green cap, and smell fragrant. They should be firm but not hard. Organic strawberries are a great choice if available, as they tend to have more flavor and you'll be eating them fresh.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Replace the mozzarella with a plant-based alternative or even cubed avocado for creaminess. For the dressing, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The result will be equally delicious with a different but complementary flavor profile.

Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe

Name: Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered; 16 oz. fresh mozzarella, cubed or torn; 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil; 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar; 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil; 1 Tbsp. honey; 1/8 tsp. black pepper

This Strawberry Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, combining sweet, juicy strawberries with creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil. Drizzled with a honey-balsamic dressing, this vibrant salad comes together in just 15 minutes and makes for a perfect appetizer, side dish, or light lunch. The contrast of flavors and textures creates a refreshing dish that’s ideal for spring and summer gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep work – perfect for those busy days when you need something impressive without the fuss.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant red strawberries against the white mozzarella and green basil creates a stunning visual appeal that will impress your guests.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic dressing create a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh strawberries: The star of this dish, providing natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color. Make sure to choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor.
Fresh mozzarella: Provides a creamy, mild counterpoint to the strawberries. I prefer the pearl-sized or cherry-sized mozzarella balls, but you can certainly cut a larger ball into bite-sized pieces.
Fresh basil: Adds that distinctive aromatic quality that makes a caprese salad truly special. Don’t substitute dried basil here – fresh is essential.
Balsamic vinegar: The foundation of our dressing, bringing depth and tanginess that complements the sweet strawberries perfectly.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one for the best flavor as it helps carry the flavors and adds richness to the dressing.
Honey: Balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
Black pepper: Just a touch adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dressing without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

Swap the mozzarella for creamy burrata for an extra indulgent version
Try crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist
Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives for a vegan version

Add Some Crunch

Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
Add diced cucumber for freshness and texture
Incorporate thinly sliced red onion for a savory bite

Herb Variations

Mix in some fresh mint along with the basil for an extra refreshing note
Try adding a small amount of fresh thyme or oregano
Garnish with edible flowers for a stunning presentation

Make It a Meal

Add grilled chicken breast slices to make it more substantial
Serve over a bed of arugula or mixed greens
Pair with crusty bread to create a complete lunch

How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and quarter the strawberries, ensuring they’re uniformly sized. Drain and pat dry the mozzarella. Wash, dry, and chop the fresh basil leaves into thin ribbons or small pieces.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Components

In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the quartered strawberries, fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil. Be careful not to crush the strawberries or mozzarella while mixing.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well emulsified.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the strawberry-mozzarella mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Ingredient Temperature: For best flavor, allow the mozzarella to come to room temperature before assembling the salad.
Dressing Ahead: Make the dressing up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, but only add it to the salad right before serving.
Quality Matters: The simplicity of this recipe means the quality of each ingredient truly shines through – use the ripest strawberries, freshest basil, and best quality mozzarella you can find.
Serving Tip: If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Slicing Technique: For a more traditional caprese look, try slicing both the strawberries and mozzarella into rounds rather than quartering them.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This Strawberry Caprese Salad pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It’s also fantastic with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious dressing.

Presentation Ideas

For a stunning presentation, try arranging the ingredients in alternating rows on a platter instead of mixing in a bowl. You can also serve individual portions on small plates as an elegant starter.

Occasions

This salad is perfect for:

Summer barbecues and picnics
Brunch gatherings
Holiday meals when you want something light and refreshing
Dinner parties where you need an impressive but easy starter

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

You can prepare the components ahead of time: wash and cut the strawberries (though they’re best cut close to serving time), portion the mozzarella, and mix the dressing. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, though the strawberries will soften and release juice. The basil may darken slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Refreshing Leftovers

To refresh leftover salad, bring it to room temperature before serving and consider adding a few fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of newly chopped basil to brighten it up.

Note: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of the strawberries and mozzarella.

FAQs

Can I use balsamic glaze instead of making the dressing?

Absolutely! A good quality store-bought balsamic glaze works wonderfully as a time-saver. Just drizzle it over the salad right before serving. You might want to add a light drizzle of olive oil separately since the glaze is already reduced and concentrated.
What’s the best type of mozzarella to use for this salad?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal for this recipe. You can use the small pearl-sized balls (bocconcini), the slightly larger cherry-sized balls (ciliegine), or a large ball cut into bite-sized pieces. Avoid using low-moisture mozzarella as it doesn’t have the same creamy texture that complements the strawberries.
How do I pick the best strawberries for this salad?

Look for strawberries that are fully red with no white patches, have a bright green cap, and smell fragrant. They should be firm but not hard. Organic strawberries are a great choice if available, as they tend to have more flavor and you’ll be eating them fresh.
Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Replace the mozzarella with a plant-based alternative or even cubed avocado for creaminess. For the dressing, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The result will be equally delicious with a different but complementary flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Caprese Salad is one of those magical recipes that manages to be both incredibly simple and surprisingly sophisticated. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for warmer months. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, this 15-minute wonder never fails to impress. Give it a try the next time you spot beautiful strawberries at the market – I promise you won’t be disappointed!