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Strawberry Caprese Salad: A Refreshing Summer Twist on a Classic

Name: Strawberry Caprese Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably small balls (bocconcini); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and dried; 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Pinch of sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional: A few sprigs of fresh mint for garnish

Bright, simple, and impossibly fresh, this Strawberry Caprese Salad takes the beloved Italian classic and adds a sweet, summery spin. Juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together in seconds for a salad that feels elegant but requires almost no effort. If you enjoy light seasonal dishes, you might also love this lemon cheesecake ice cream for an easy cool finish to the meal.

Why Make This Recipe
If you’re tired of heavy summer salads or the same old tomato-and-mozzarella routine, this recipe is perfect because it gives you freshness and balance without fuss. The strawberries provide bright acidity and sweetness, mozzarella adds creamy texture, and basil ties everything together with its herbaceous lift — all finished with a glossy balsamic glaze for contrast. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that doubles as an appetizer, side, or light main.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if large)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably small balls (bocconcini) or a block that you can slice
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: A few sprigs of fresh mint for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Caprese Salad

Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove the green caps (hull) and slice each berry in half; if you have large strawberries, quarter them so the pieces are bite-sized. Place the prepared strawberries in a medium bowl and let them sit while you get the other ingredients ready — this keeps them bright and juicy but prevents premature sogginess.
Prepare the Mozzarella
If using bocconcini (small mozzarella balls), drain them well and, if they are large, slice them in half so their size matches the strawberries. If you have a block of fresh mozzarella, slice it into roughly 1/4-inch rounds. For the prettiest presentation, try to make each mozzarella piece similar in size to your strawberry halves so they pair nicely on the plate.
Prepare the Basil
Gently wash the basil leaves and pat them dry completely; moisture on the leaves can dilute the dressing and make the salad watery. You can leave larger basil leaves whole for visual contrast or tear them into smaller pieces if you prefer every bite to have some basil. If you choose to tear leaves, do so by hand to avoid bruising and brown edges.
Assemble the Salad
Choose a wide platter or arrange individual plates. Alternate the strawberry pieces with mozzarella slices or bocconcini in an overlapping pattern — think of a loose checkerboard or concentric circles for an attractive display. Tuck basil leaves between the layers and across the platter so the green pops against the red and white.
Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze
Finish by drizzling the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the assembled salad. Follow with the balsamic glaze — a little goes a long way; its concentrated sweetness and tang are meant to create contrast, so avoid overdoing it. If you only have balsamic vinegar, simmer it gently until it reduces to a syrupy consistency and cool before using.
Season with Salt and Pepper
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt across the top to lift flavors, and add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Salt is key here — it heightens the sweetness of the strawberries and brings out the creaminess of the mozzarella.
Garnish (Optional)
Add a few sprigs of fresh mint if you want an extra layer of cooling aroma. The mint is optional but makes the plate look even more summery and adds a subtle herbal note.
Serve Immediately
This salad is best eaten right after assembling so the strawberries keep their texture and the cheese stays fresh. If you must wait, see the storage tips below for best practices.

How This Recipe Works (quick technique notes)

Balancing textures is everything: firm, ripe strawberries against soft mozzarella and crisp basil creates a pleasing mouthfeel.
Balsamic glaze provides a sharp-sweet counterpoint that anchors the flavors.
Minimal seasoning lets the ingredients sing — just olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Best Way to Store Strawberry Caprese Salad

Refrigerator temperature: 35–40°F (2–4°C).
Storage time: Up to 12–18 hours assembled; up to 24 hours if ingredients are kept separate.
Tip: To preserve texture, store strawberries, mozzarella, and basil separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Caprese Salad

As an appetizer: Serve on a long platter with toasted crostini on the side so guests can scoop up the berries and cheese.
As a side dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple herb-roasted pork loin to add a bright contrast to richer mains.
As a light main: Add a handful of peppery arugula, a drizzle more olive oil, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for protein and crunch.
For a picnic: Assemble the components separately and pack the dressing and glaze in small leakproof containers to prevent sogginess.

Tips to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad
Q: How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
A: Store ingredients separately and only dress right before serving. Pat basil leaves dry, and don’t use watery store-bought strawberries — opt for firm, ripe berries.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can slice strawberries and mozzarella up to 12 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated in separate airtight containers. Assemble within an hour of serving for best texture.

Q: What’s the secret to better flavor?
A: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a thick balsamic glaze. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt at the end makes a big difference.

Variations and Substitutions

Short list (bullets):
- Swap strawberries for heirloom tomatoes if you want a more traditional caprese flavor.
- Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a creamier center and richer mouthfeel.
Paragraph:
For a more substantial salad, toss in toasted walnuts or sliced prosciutto; the nuts add crunch and a toasty note while prosciutto introduces a savory-salty layer that plays beautifully with strawberries. If you prefer a dairy-free version, replace mozzarella with thick slices of ripe avocado and finish with a squeeze of lemon to brighten.

Flavor Pairing and Menu Ideas
This salad is versatile for summer menus. Pair it with light grilled proteins, fresh seafood, or a chilled pasta salad. For a complete summer meal, serve alongside a chilled white wine or a sparkling rosé; the crisp acidity will match the balsamic and strawberries nicely.

Make-Ahead and Prep Notes
If you’re prepping for a gathering, do all the washing, hulling, and slicing up to a day in advance, but store everything separately. Keep basil in a slightly damp paper towel inside an airtight container to maintain freshness, and slice mozzarella only when you’re ready to plate if you can. Small prep steps like this keep the final dish bright and appetizing.

Presentation Tips

Use a white or wooden platter to make the colors pop.
Arrange ingredients in neat alternating rows or in a spiral for visual appeal.
Finish with a tiny drizzle of glaze and a few cracks of black pepper that guests can see — presentation enhances perceived flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: No — frozen strawberries become mushy when thawed and won’t hold up in this fresh salad. Use fresh, ripe berries.

Q: What is the best mozzarella to use?
A: Fresh mozzarella — either bocconcini or a soft ball — is best. Burrata is an upscale substitute if you want extra creaminess.

Q: Can I substitute the balsamic glaze?
A: You can use a quick balsamic reduction (simmer balsamic vinegar until syrupy) if you don’t have pre-made glaze. Alternatively, a light drizzle of aged balsamic works well, but avoid thin vinegar — it can make the salad watery.

Q: How do I keep basil from browning?
A: Handle basil gently and keep it dry. Store in the fridge wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel, or keep stems in a small glass of water (like a mini bouquet) in the fridge door for short-term storage.

Q: Is this salad kid-friendly?
A: Yes. Kids often enjoy the sweetness of strawberries paired with mild mozzarella; leave basil on the side for picky eaters.

Pairing Wines and Drinks

Sparkling wine or Champagne: the bubbles and acidity complement both strawberry sweetness and balsamic tang.
Sauvignon Blanc: its bright acidity and herbal notes match the basil.
Nonalcoholic: A chilled sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea can work beautifully.

Dietary Notes

Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free — just check your balsamic glaze ingredients if store-bought.
Paleo-friendly variations: Omit cheese and add avocado or toasted seeds for texture.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Salad turned watery. Solution: Next time, assemble right before serving and keep components separate. Use firm strawberries.
Problem: Salad tastes flat. Solution: Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper to elevate the flavors; consider a bit more balsamic glaze for brightness.

Final Serving Checklist

All components prepped and chilled as needed.
Basil leaves dried and ready.
Balsamic glaze and olive oil within reach.
Platter or serving bowls pre-chilled in the fridge for a few minutes if outdoors on a hot day.

Conclusion

For more inspiration and slightly different takes on this seasonal favorite, explore Mountain Mama Cooks’ version for helpful tips on presentation and ingredient swaps: Mountain Mama Cooks’ Strawberry Caprese Salad. If you want another perspective with step-by-step photos and serving ideas, see the recipe at Lemon Tree Dwelling: Lemon Tree Dwelling’s Strawberry Caprese Salad.

Enjoy this bright summer twist on a classic — simple to pull together, delightful to eat, and perfect for warm-weather entertaining.