Description
This Strawberry Caprese Salad is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Italian Caprese, featuring juicy strawberries paired with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzled with balsamic glaze and seasoned with salt and pepper, it makes a perfect appetizer or a light, refreshing lunch option that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or block, sliced)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Seasonings & Toppings
- Balsamic glaze, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Honey or maple syrup, for added sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare strawberries: Gently wash the strawberries under cool water, pat dry with a clean paper towel, then hull by removing green tops. Halve small to medium strawberries or quarter larger ones for uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Place strawberries in a bowl: Transfer the prepared strawberries to a medium-sized bowl for easy assembling later.
- Prepare mozzarella: Drain bocconcini if using or slice a block of fresh mozzarella into rounds matching strawberry thickness.
- Set mozzarella aside: Place the mozzarella pieces in a separate bowl ready for plating.
- Prep basil leaves: Thoroughly wash fresh basil leaves, pat dry, and leave whole or tear into smaller pieces if they are large.
- Assemble the salad: On each serving plate, arrange alternating slices of strawberry and mozzarella, tucking a basil leaf between each piece to distribute flavors evenly.
- Finish with seasoning: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the arranged salad, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and optionally add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Bocconcini mozzarella offers a delicate texture, but sliced fresh mozzarella works equally well.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze based on your preference for acidity and sweetness.
- Optional honey or maple syrup can balance the tartness if your strawberries are less sweet.
- This salad is best served immediately after assembly to maintain freshness and texture.
