Name: Juicy Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Salad for Summer Bliss Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 pint blueberries; 8 ounces mozzarella pearls, drained; Handful fresh basil, chiffonade; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; ¼ cup olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Juicy Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian favorite. Combining sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, it’s perfect for bright summer days. A simple honey balsamic dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully.

A white round plate holds a layered dish arranged in a circle. The bottom layer is a dark brown balsamic glaze with a shiny, smooth texture pooling slightly on the plate. On top of that are thick, smooth, white mozzarella slices arranged evenly around the plate. Alternating with the mozzarella, there are bright red strawberry halves with seeds showing and a wet shine on their surface. Fresh green basil leaves are nestled between the slices and halves, adding bright green spots. The whole dish is sprinkled with cracked black pepper and small bits of garlic, which add texture and contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lb strawberries (hulled and sliced)
1 pint blueberries
8 ounces mozzarella pearls (drained)
Handful fresh basil (chiffonade)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the produce and cheese by cleaning and hulling the strawberries, then slicing them uniformly. Drain the mozzarella pearls thoroughly to prevent excess moisture, and chiffonade the fresh basil leaves into thin strips for a delicate look.
Step 2: Make the dressing by whisking together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella pearls, and chiffonade basil together, taking care to keep everything intact.
Step 4: Pour the honey balsamic dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. For extra texture, top with sugared almonds if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a hard boiled egg slicer to slice strawberries evenly and quickly.
Substitute fresh cherries or raspberries for blueberries to vary the fruit flavors.
Try adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.
Serve the salad chilled for a cooler option on hot days, but bring to room temperature before eating to maximize flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The salad is best enjoyed fresh as the mozzarella may release moisture over time, making the salad watery. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature briefly and toss gently before serving to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl holds a fresh salad arranged in multiple layers, starting with a dark brown balsamic vinegar base. Above this, there are white round slices of mozzarella cheese, each topped with a bright red, glossy half of a strawberry showing its juicy interior. Green basil leaves are placed between the cheese and strawberry slices, adding pops of color. The dish is sprinkled with small black pepper flakes and chopped garlic bits, all sitting on a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella pearls?

Yes, you can substitute fresh burrata or small bocconcini for a creamier texture. Just be mindful that burrata is very delicate and should be added just before serving.

Is it necessary to let the salad rest before serving?

Allowing the salad to rest for about 15 minutes at room temperature helps the dressing infuse the fruit and cheese, enhancing the overall flavor. However, if you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately with slightly less pronounced flavor integration.