When the sun is out and fresh produce is in abundance, there’s no better dish than a Caprese Salad. Simple, elegant, and bursting with vibrant flavor, this Italian classic is made with just a handful of ingredients—but when those ingredients are high quality, the result is spectacular.
Finished with a rich, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, this salad is the perfect appetizer, side dish, or light summer meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
Caprese salad is one of those dishes that reminds you how good simplicity can be. It celebrates freshness—sweet, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and just the right amount of seasoning. Add a glossy balsamic glaze drizzle, and it becomes something you’d expect to find on the menu at your favorite bistro.
It has the same effortless vibe as our Baked Brie Appetizer and pairs beautifully with warm-weather drinks like Blueberry Lemonade.
Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Balsamic glaze, store-bought or homemade
Choosing the Best Ingredients
The secret to a perfect Caprese is using the best ingredients you can find:
- Mozzarella: Go for fresh mozzarella in a log or ball—not pre-sliced. It’s creamier and melts beautifully on your tongue.
- Tomatoes: Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes offer deep flavor and vibrant color.
- Basil: Use whole, fresh leaves—never dried. The fragrance is key.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds depth and richness.
- Balsamic Glaze: You can buy it bottled or easily make your own.
Homemade Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
If you prefer to DIY your glaze:
- Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until thickened to a syrupy consistency.
- Let cool before using.
You’ll get a glossy, tangy-sweet reduction that brings depth and drama to the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Wash and dry tomatoes and basil. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Layer the Salad: On a large platter, alternate tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves in an overlapping pattern.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Add Balsamic Glaze: Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top.
- Garnish: Add a few extra basil leaves for visual flair and freshness.
Tips for Success
- Serve immediately after assembly for best texture and flavor.
- For bite-sized versions, use cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and toothpicks.
- If using homemade glaze, let it cool slightly before drizzling to avoid melting the mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Caprese salad is light, fresh, and pairs wonderfully with:
- A cold glass of Blueberry Lemonade
- Toasted baguette slices or garlic bread
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders for a satisfying lunch combo
- And finish with Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites or Big Family Banana Pudding for a summery dessert
Storage and Leftovers
- Short-term: Store in the fridge for up to 1 day. Basil may wilt slightly—refresh with a few new leaves.
- Tip: Avoid salting until just before serving, as salt draws out moisture from tomatoes and can make the salad soggy.
- Glaze: Keep extra balsamic glaze in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Baked Brie Appetizer
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Big Family Banana Pudding
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze proves that simple really is best. With just a few fresh ingredients and a quick assembly, you can create a dish that’s elegant, delicious, and totally summer-worthy. Perfect for backyard dinners, brunch spreads, or light lunches with flair.
Try it out and let us know how yours turned out in the comments—and follow along for more easy, flavor-forward recipes that make fresh food shine!
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