Name: Balsamic Strawberry Caprese: Sweet, Tangy & Fresh Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced into halves or rounds); 8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced or bocconcini); 1 handful fresh basil leaves (torn or whole); 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought); 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional); 1 pinch sea salt (to taste); 1 pinch black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)

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Introduction

This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is a delightful twist on the classic Italian salad. Combining sweet strawberries with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil, it offers a perfect balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and easy to prepare.

The dish shows a single layer of sliced bright red strawberries with their small seeds visible, mixed with thick white rounds of mozzarella cheese that have a smooth texture. Scattered fresh green basil leaves add a vibrant contrast on top. The whole salad is drizzled with a glossy dark brown balsamic glaze that creates shiny streaks, and small black pepper flakes are sprinkled throughout. This mix is served on a white plate with rustic speckles, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced into halves or rounds)
8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced or bocconcini)

1 handful fresh basil leaves (torn or whole)
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional)
1 pinch sea salt (to taste)

1 pinch black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse and slice the fresh strawberries into halves or thin rounds.
Step 2: Slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds, or use mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for easy serving.

Step 3: On a serving plate, alternate slices of strawberries and mozzarella. Tuck in fresh basil leaves between each.
Step 4: Drizzle balsamic glaze and olive oil over the arranged salad. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Step 5: Serve immediately as a fresh appetizer or a vibrant summer salad.

Tips & Variations

For an added crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top before serving.
Use heirloom or colorful cherry tomatoes along with strawberries for a more traditional Caprese with a twist.
Make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened for a richer flavor.

Substitute fresh basil with mint leaves for a refreshing change.

Storage

Because this salad is best served fresh, it’s ideal to prepare just before serving. If you need to store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Keep the balsamic glaze and olive oil separate and drizzle just before serving to maintain freshness. Avoid storing for longer as strawberries and mozzarella can release water and lose texture.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of a salad served on a white plate with a speckled gray pattern, resting on a white marbled surface. The salad has two main layers: slices of bright red strawberries, some cut in half showing their juicy texture, and round slices of white mozzarella cheese spread evenly throughout. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh color contrast. A dark brown balsamic glaze is drizzled over the salad in thin lines, adding shine and depth, with a sprinkling of black pepper visible on the mozzarella and strawberries. The mix of red, white, green, and dark glaze creates a vibrant, fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Frozen strawberries are not recommended as they become mushy when thawed, which will affect the texture and appearance of the salad.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

This salad contains fresh mozzarella, which is a dairy product, so it’s not vegan. However, you can substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.