Description
This Strawberry Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Italian caprese. Combining juicy strawberries, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, drizzled with tangy balsamic glaze and seasoned with salt and pepper, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. Ideal as a quick appetizer or light summer dish, it takes just 15 minutes to prepare and serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or block)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Seasonings & Dressing
- Balsamic glaze (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
Instructions
- Wash and prepare strawberries: Gently wash the strawberries under cool water and pat them dry with a clean paper towel. Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops. Depending on their size, halve small to medium strawberries or quarter larger ones.
- Place strawberries in a bowl: Put the prepared strawberry pieces in a medium-sized bowl, ready for assembling the salad.
- Prepare mozzarella: Drain the bocconcini from their liquid if using, or if using a block mozzarella, slice it into rounds that are similar in thickness to the strawberry pieces.
- Place mozzarella in a separate bowl: Keep the mozzarella slices or balls aside for easy assembly on plates.
- Prepare basil leaves: Thoroughly wash and dry the fresh basil leaves. You may leave them whole or tear large leaves into smaller pieces for easier eating.
- Assemble the salad: On each serving plate, arrange alternating slices or pieces of strawberry and mozzarella. Tuck a basil leaf between each strawberry and mozzarella piece to distribute flavor evenly.
- Finish with dressing and seasoning: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the arranged salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup for additional sweetness if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar until thickened or store-bought for convenience.
- Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup based on preference.
- This salad is best served fresh and should be eaten shortly after assembling to prevent sogginess.
- For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper.
