Zesty Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe: A Sweet-Savory Delight

Sweet summer strawberries dance brilliantly in this balsamic strawberry caprese that promises a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors.

Ripe berries mingle with creamy mozzarella, creating a vibrant palette of colors and textures.

Crisp basil leaves add fresh green notes to the mix.

Tangy balsamic reduction weaves through each bite, intensifying the natural sweetness of the fruit.

Mediterranean ingredients come together in a simple yet sophisticated composition that feels both elegant and relaxed.

Drizzle this stunning combination over crusty bread or serve as a stunning appetizer that will spark conversation at any gathering.

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Bursting with Flavor

• Craft a Flavor Explosion: Discover a vibrant salad that bursts with sweet, tangy, and herbal notes, creating a taste sensation that dances on your palate.
• Speedy Gourmet Delight: Prepare this restaurant-worthy dish in mere minutes, perfect for busy individuals craving a quick yet impressive meal.
• Versatile Summer Stunner: Shine at picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish that impresses guests with minimal culinary skills required.
• Healthy Indulgence: Pack in fresh ingredients that deliver nutrition and flavor, making this recipe a guilt-free treat for health-conscious food lovers.

Ingredients for Balsamic Strawberry Caprese

• Balsamic Vinegar: A tangy liquid that adds depth and brightness to the dressing.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, rich oil that helps blend the vinaigrette ingredients.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dressing.

• Strawberries: Fresh, sweet berries that provide a juicy and vibrant component to the dish.
• Mozzarella Ciliegine: Small, round mozzarella balls that add creamy texture and mild cheese flavor.
• Basil: A fragrant herb that brings a fresh, aromatic element to the salad.

• Refrigeration: A brief chilling period that allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

How to Assemble This Refreshing Caprese Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Tangy Vinaigrette

In a small mixing bowl, energetically blend balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, golden honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk with enthusiasm until the dressing transforms into a silky, harmonious mixture that glistens with potential flavor.

Step 2: Build Colorful Salad Base

• Ripe, ruby-red strawberries (sliced into delicate wedges)
• Creamy mozzarella ciliegine (those adorable tiny cheese balls)
• Fresh basil leaves (hand-torn for maximum aromatic release)

Step 3: Dress and Caress the Salad

Gently cascade the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Use a soft, careful motion to toss everything together, ensuring each component gets a luxurious coating of the tangy dressing without crushing the delicate elements.

Step 4: Final Flavor Fusion

Allow the salad to rest briefly in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This short pause lets the flavors dance and intertwine, creating a more profound taste experience.

Serve chilled and savor the symphony of sweet, tangy, and herbal notes.

Tips to Balance Sweet and Tangy Flavors

• Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow balsamic vinegar and honey to intensify the taste profile.
• Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries and fresh mozzarella ciliegine for maximum flavor and texture.
• Swap basil with fresh mint or parsley for a unique twist on the classic caprese combination.
• Arrange ingredients artfully on a white plate to create visual contrast and make the dish more appealing.
• Add grilled chicken or prosciutto slices to transform this side dish into a complete meal.

Variations to Try with Caprese Salad

• Grilled Strawberry Caprese: Lightly grill strawberry slices and mozzarella for a warm, caramelized flavor profile that adds depth to the classic salad.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace basil with fresh oregano and mint, then add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version of the original recipe.
• Spicy Balsamic Berry Blend: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños and a pinch of red pepper flakes to create a zesty, heat-infused caprese with a kick.
• Nutty Strawberry Salad: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds over the salad for extra crunch and a rich, earthy undertone that complements the sweet strawberries.

Pairings to Serve Alongside Caprese

• Unlock Crisp White Wine Harmony: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the bright strawberry and creamy mozzarella flavors, cutting through the richness with their zesty acidity.
• Serve Crusty Artisan Bread Companion: Rustic sourdough or baguette slices provide a delightful textural contrast, allowing guests to soak up the tangy balsamic vinaigrette and capture every delicious morsel.
• Match Light Grilled Protein Partner: Opt for delicate grilled chicken or seared shrimp to create a complete meal that enhances the salad's fresh and summery profile without overwhelming its subtle ingredients.

Storing Balsamic Strawberry Caprese for Best Taste

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent cheese from spoiling.

Skip freezing this salad as mozzarella and fresh strawberries lose texture and become watery when thawed.

Gently bring salad to room temperature before serving. Let sit for 10 minutes out of the fridge to restore flavors and soften cheese.

If possible, store vinaigrette separately from salad ingredients to prevent soggy texture and maintain crisp elements.

FAQs

• What are ciliegine mozzarella balls?

Small, cherry-sized mozzarella cheese balls that are soft, creamy, and perfect for salads, providing a delicate and fresh texture to the dish.

• Can I use different types of vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for slight variations in flavor profile.

• How do I select the best strawberries?

Choose ripe, deep red strawberries that are firm, fragrant, and have a glossy appearance without any bruises or soft spots for the most flavorful salad.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s most elegant appetizer, balsamic strawberry caprese, brings Mediterranean charm to your table with sweet-tangy strawberries and creamy mozzarella. Fresh basil and rich balsamic glaze elevate this classic Italian salad into a sophisticated seasonal sensation you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strawberry Caprese Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella ciliegine, sliced into halves
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) fresh basil, chopped

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic vinegar

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel until ingredients transform into a harmonious emulsion.
2. Slice fresh strawberries into delicate segments and gather mozzarella ciliegine with freshly chopped basil leaves in a spacious culinary bowl.
3. Cascade the prepared vinaigrette over the salad components, employing a gentle folding technique to ensure each ingredient receives an elegant coating without compromising structural integrity.
4. For optimal flavor development, allow the assembled caprese to rest briefly in the refrigerator for approximately 10-15 minutes, permitting the ingredients to intermingle and intensify their collective essence.
5. Present the chilled salad immediately, garnishing with additional basil leaves if desired, creating a visually appealing and palate-refreshing dish perfect for warm-weather dining.

Notes

• Marinate the mozzarella in the balsamic vinaigrette beforehand to intensify the flavor absorption and create a more complex taste profile.
• Choose ripe, in-season strawberries for the most vibrant and sweet flavor that complements the creamy mozzarella and tangy balsamic.
• Opt for fresh basil leaves just before serving to maintain their bright green color and prevent wilting, ensuring maximum aromatic impact.
• Customize the dish by adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and a nutty dimension that elevates the overall texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 95 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg