Oh, this salad! Seriously, if you want something that just screams *fresh* and is ridiculously easy, you’ve gotta try my Balsamic Strawberry Caprese. It’s like, the classic Caprese salad got a fabulous summer makeover! I whip this up all the time when I need a quick lunch or just want something light and bright to nibble on. It feels so fancy, but honestly, it takes barely any time at all.
This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is definitely one of my go-to recipes whenever I have some beautiful strawberries on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Seriously, this salad is a lifesaver! I make it at least once a week in the summer. It’s just so… easy! Here’s why it’s a staple at my house:
- Super Quick: We’re talking like, 10-15 minutes max. Perfect for when you’re starving or have guests arriving unexpectedly.
- Bursting with Flavor: The sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella, peppery basil, and that tangy balsamic all just *sing* together. It’s pure summer goodness!
- So Versatile: It’s amazing on its own, but I also love throwing it on grilled chicken or steak.
- Looks Gorgeous: The colors are just beautiful! It always looks like I spent ages making it, which is my little secret.
Gather Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Ingredients
Okay, so to make this amazing Balsamic Strawberry Caprese, you really just need a few star players! Trust me, the better the ingredients, the more this salad pops. Grab:
- A pint of beautiful strawberries, hulled and then sliced so they’re not too thick or thin.
- About 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella – I like the balls you slice yourself, not the pre-shredded stuff! Slice them up nice and even.
- A good handful, maybe 1/4 cup, of fresh basil leaves. You’ll want to tear these a bit so they release all that lovely aroma.
- A couple of tablespoons of balsamic glaze – this is where the magic happens!
- A little glug of good olive oil, about a tablespoon.
- And of course, a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked black pepper to your taste.
Crafting Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Putting this salad together is honestly the best part! It’s like creating a little edible work of art. You really can’t mess it up, and the result is just gorgeous. Trust me, follow these super simple steps and you’ll have the most beautiful Balsamic Strawberry Caprese in minutes!
Preparing the Base for Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
First things first, grab your prettiest serving platter. I like to lay out the sliced strawberries and mozzarella slices, alternating them around the plate. Think of it like a pretty pattern – a slice of strawberry, a slice of mozz, another strawberry, another mozz. It just looks so inviting this way.
Adding Freshness: Basil and Seasoning
Now for the green goodness! Take those fresh basil leaves and gently tear them into smaller pieces. Don’t chop them fine; tearing really brings out that amazing basil scent. Tuck these little green gems in between the strawberry and mozzarella layers. Then, give it a little sprinkle of salt and some freshly cracked black pepper. Don’t go too heavy on the salt, especially if your mozzarella is already a bit salty.
The Finishing Touch: Balsamic Glaze and Olive Oil
This is the grand finale! Drizzle your balsamic glaze all over everything. I like to do a zig-zag pattern so you get a little bit of that sweet, tangy goodness in every bite. Then, add a light drizzle of good quality olive oil – it just adds another layer of richness. If you haven’t made your own glaze yet, no worries, but you can totally check out my tips on how to reduce balsamic vinegar for an extra special touch!
Tips for the Perfect Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
You know, this salad is so forgiving, but a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years really elevate it from “nice” to “wow!” It’s all about those small details that make a big difference. Here are some of my favorite ways to make this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese absolutely perfect every time. For example, if you’re interested in other vinegars, apple cider vinegar offers a different kind of tang that can be fun to experiment with in dressings!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
When it comes to strawberries, obviously, use the ripest, sweetest ones you can find! If they’re a bit tart, don’t worry, the glaze will balance it out. And for the mozzarella, fresh is truly best. If you’re feeling fancy, swapping the sliced mozzarella for a creamy burrata is *divine*. Just tear that open right before serving so the creamy inside oozes out. For basil, any fresh basil works, but when I make this in the summer, I love using lemon basil if I have it – it adds this subtle citrusy note that’s just lovely.
Making Your Own Balsamic Glaze
Okay, so while store-bought balsamic glaze is great and super convenient, making your own is honestly so easy and tastes SO much better. Just pour about a cup of good balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently – you don’t want it boiling furiously. As it heats up, the water evaporates, concentrating the balsamic flavor and making it naturally thicker and sweeter. It usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for it to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient, it’s worth it! And a little tip from me: if your balsamic is already really dark and high quality, it’ll reduce beautifully and give you that perfect syrupy consistency without needing any extra sugar.
Serving and Storing Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is absolutely best served right after you put it all together. That way, the mozzarella is still super fresh and the basil hasn’t gotten sad. I usually make it literally minutes before we’re going to eat. If you do happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. Honestly, the strawberries can get a little soft and the basil might wilt a bit, so it’s definitely not as pretty the next day, but it still tastes pretty darn good if you’re just looking for a quick bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Balsamic Strawberry Caprese
Got questions about whipping up my favorite Balsamic Strawberry Caprese? I totally get it! It’s a simple salad, but sometimes the little things make a big difference, right? Let’s clear up any confusion so you can make the best salad ever. If you love salads as much as I do, you should totally check out my other salad recipes too!
Can I make the Balsamic Strawberry Caprese ahead of time?
You know, I really prefer to assemble it just before serving so everything stays super fresh. I’ll slice the strawberries and mozzarella, and tear the basil earlier in the day, but I keep them separate. Drizzle with the glaze and oil right at the last minute. That way, the strawberries don’t get mushy and the basil stays bright green!
What are good variations for this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I sometimes add some toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a few slices of avocado for extra creaminess. Grilled chicken or shrimp is fantastic if you want to turn it into a main course. You could also swap the fresh mozzarella for creamy burrata – that’s pure decadence! Sometimes I even add a few blueberries alongside the strawberries.
How do I choose the best strawberries for this salad?
This is key! Look for strawberries that are bright red all over, plump, and smell sweet. Give them a gentle sniff – you should get that lovely strawberry aroma. Avoid any that have soft spots, mold, or are dull-looking. The riper and sweeter the strawberries, the better your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese will taste!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on exactly what brands you use and how juicy those strawberries are! But generally, you’re looking at around 200 calories per serving, with about 15g of fat, 8g of protein, and 12g of carbs, plus a nice little dose of fiber. If you’re looking for more healthy recipe ideas, I’ve got tons over here!
Share Your Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Creation!
I absolutely love hearing from you all! Did you make this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese? I’d be thrilled if you left a comment below telling me all about it, maybe give it a rating, or even share a picture of your beautiful creation on social media. Seeing your dishes makes my day and really helps other cooks too! You can learn a little bit more about my own kitchen adventures here!
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Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Salad
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh salad with strawberries, mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange strawberry slices and mozzarella slices on a serving platter.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the strawberries and mozzarella.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- For a sweeter glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar until reduced by half.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the glaze if desired.
- You can substitute burrata for fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Balsamic Strawberry Caprese, strawberry salad, caprese salad, mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, summer salad, easy salad