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

Description

This refreshing Strawberry Caprese Salad combines juicy strawberries, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all tossed in a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing. It’s a vibrant twist on the classic Caprese, perfect for a summery appetizer, side dish, or light main course.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad

2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
16 oz. fresh mozzarella, cubed or torn
1/2 cup fresh chopped basil

Dressing

3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. honey
1/8 tsp. black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad Base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the quartered strawberries, cubed fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil. Gently toss the ingredients to combine and distribute the basil evenly.
Make the Dressing: In a small container with a tight-fitting lid, add the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and black pepper. Close the lid and shake well until the dressing is thoroughly combined and emulsified.
Combine and Serve: Pour the balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently mix until everything is coated evenly. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a handful of toasted nuts.
Best enjoyed the same day as the strawberries will release their juices over time.
You can adjust the sweetness of the dressing by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey.
Use high-quality mozzarella and ripe strawberries for optimal flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of salad
Calories: 150
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg