If you’re looking to brighten your table with a refreshing twist on a classic, this Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad is a vibrant celebration of sweet, juicy strawberries paired with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil, all beautifully enhanced by a honey-balsamic dressing that ties every flavor together. It’s not only a feast for the senses but a wonderful way to welcome the warmth of spring or summer, making it perfect for gatherings or a simple, elegant meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component contributes a unique texture, flavor, and color: the strawberries bring juicy sweetness, the mozzarella adds creamy richness, fresh basil delivers an herbaceous punch, and the dressing offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
- 2 lbs strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star here, providing vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 pint blueberries: These little bursts of flavor add an additional pop of color and a mild tartness.
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls, drained: Creamy and soft, these pearls complement the fruit beautifully.
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, chiffonade cut: Basil brings a fragrant, slightly peppery note that lifts the dish.
- 2 tbsp honey: Natural sweetness that marries perfectly with the balsamic vinegar in the dressing.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds depth and a tangy contrast that brightens the salad.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Brings a silky texture and rich flavor to the dressing.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by giving your strawberries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or residue. Hull and slice them evenly so every bite has that sweet, juicy burst. Drain the mozzarella pearls so they don’t add excess moisture to the salad, and chiffonade the fresh basil leaves by stacking them, rolling tightly, and slicing finely – this releases their wonderful aroma and makes them easier to mix in.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until you see a smooth, shiny dressing. The honey softens the acidity of the balsamic while the olive oil gives it a lovely richness. This simple dressing is what elevates the entire salad from good to unforgettable.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella pearls, and basil chiffonade. This colorful mixture is the heart of your salad. Take care to mix gently so that the strawberries don’t get too mushy, keeping the texture bright and fresh.
Step 4: Dress and Rest
Pour the honey-balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let the salad rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to marry beautifully and the dressing to soften the basil and fruit ever so slightly, creating an irresistible harmony of tastes.
How to Serve Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an added flourish, sprinkle a few whole basil leaves on top or scatter some finely chopped pistachios for crunch. A light drizzle of aged balsamic glaze over the finished salad creates an elegant drizzle that’s perfect for entertaining.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a refreshing side next to grilled chicken or fish, especially during warmer months when you want something light yet flavorful. It’s also fantastic served with crusty bread or paired with a chilled glass of rosé to make the meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass trifle bowl for a beautiful visual effect, or serve on individual plates in perfect little stacks using a ring mold. Little skewers with strawberry, mozzarella, and basil make for fun, finger-friendly appetizers that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1–2 days to enjoy the freshness of the berries and basil. The salad may release some juice over time, so give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the fresh berries and mozzarella pearls lose their texture when thawed, and the basil darkens and wilts. For best results, enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not necessary. Instead, serve chilled or at room temperature to maintain the bright flavors and creamy textures that make this Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of strawberries and blueberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries and blueberries make a perfect duo for this salad, raspberries or blackberries can also add interesting flavors and textures. Just be mindful of their juiciness and adjust the dressing as needed.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
You can swap the mozzarella pearls for a plant-based cheese or cubes of marinated tofu. The key is to maintain that creamy element which balances the fruitiness of the strawberries.
How long does the salad stay fresh after tossing with the dressing?
For optimal taste and texture, it’s best consumed within a couple of hours after dressing. If left too long, the fruit may become too soft and the basil may wilt, affecting the overall freshness.
Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party?
You can prep the ingredients separately in advance—slice strawberries, wash berries, and chop basil—then toss everything with the dressing right before serving. This ensures the salad stays vibrant and fresh.
What type of balsamic vinegar works best in this recipe?
A good-quality balsamic vinegar with a balanced sweetness and acidity works best here. Avoid overly aged or very thick glazes for the dressing, but you can add some glaze on top for garnish if you like.
Final Thoughts
Bringing together juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a luscious honey-balsamic dressing, this Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration every time you make it. Whether you’re impressing friends at a summer picnic or treating yourself to something fresh and healthy, this salad is a simple, stunning way to brighten your day. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a beloved staple on your table.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes standing time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Caprese Salad that combines sweet strawberries and blueberries with creamy mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil, and a tangy honey-balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light appetizer or summer side dish, this salad offers a delightful twist on the classic Caprese with a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 lbs strawberries
- 1 pint blueberries
Dairy
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls, drained
Herbs
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, chiffonade cut
Dressing
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Clean and hull the strawberries, then slice them into bite-sized pieces. Drain the mozzarella pearls to remove any excess liquid. chiffonade the fresh basil leaves by stacking, rolling them tightly, and slicing thinly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, gently mix the sliced strawberries, blueberries, drained mozzarella pearls, and the chiffonade basil leaves to combine the flavors evenly.
- Dress and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients without crushing the berries or cheese. Let the salad stand for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe strawberries and blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the salad to sit for 15 minutes after dressing to enhance flavor absorption.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese or omit it.
- Adjust honey quantity based on the sweetness of your berries.
