Sweet, juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and summery basil come together in a showstopping twist on a classic: Strawberry Caprese Salad. This bright, beautiful dish is an absolute celebration of fresh flavors, pairing the natural sweetness of strawberries with the silky richness of cheese and the fragrant green pop of basil. Finished with a tangy honey-balsamic dressing, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart. Whether you serve it at a backyard barbecue, pack it for a picnic, or simply enjoy it as a light lunch at home, every bite feels like a moment of pure sunshine.

Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here might look simple on its own, but each plays a vital role in creating the harmony of taste and texture that makes Strawberry Caprese Salad irresistible. Let’s break down what you need, and why each one matters:

Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the sweetest pop and best color in your salad.
Fresh mozzarella (16 oz.): Go for the soft, pillowy kind—its creaminess beautifully rounds out the vibrant flavors.
Fresh chopped basil (1/2 cup): Those aromatic leaves offer a peppery, herbal freshness that brightens every bite.
Balsamic vinegar (3 Tbsp.): Adds depth and a tangy, slightly sweet zing that ties everything together.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 Tbsp.): Lends silkiness and richness, giving the dressing a luscious texture.
Honey (1 Tbsp.): Just a touch balances the vinegar’s acidity and boosts the berries’ natural sweetness.
Pepper (1/8 tsp.): Use freshly ground black pepper for subtle heat and a spark that brings out the other flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Caprese Salad

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Start by placing your quartered strawberries, creamy mozzarella pieces, and that vibrant, chopped basil into a medium mixing bowl. This is where the colorful magic begins—the red berries, white cheese, and green basil look like a summer painting! Toss them together gently, just enough to distribute everything evenly without crushing the berries or cheese. You’ll see right away how inviting this salad will be.

Step 2: Shake Up the Dressing

In a small container with a secure lid (a mason jar works wonders), add your balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and freshly ground black pepper. Tighten the lid, then give it a really good shake! This step emulsifies the dressing, making it glossy and well-blended. You’ll notice the dressing gets slightly thicker and the honey completely dissolves—this means it’s ready to do its job.

Step 3: Toss and Finish Your Strawberry Caprese Salad

Pour the tangy-sweet dressing over your bowl of strawberries, mozzarella, and basil. Now, using a large spoon or tongs, toss everything together gently. The dressing will coat the fruit, cheese, and herbs, helping all the flavors merge into every mouthful. Serve immediately, or let it sit for just a couple of minutes if you like things a little more marinated.

How to Serve Strawberry Caprese Salad

Garnishes

For a dazzling finish, consider a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top, or extra torn basil leaves for a pop of green. You can even add a quick drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze right before serving for an added layer of tang and shine.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Caprese Salad shines alongside simple, crusty bread that soaks up the extra dressing, or pair it with roasted chicken for a wholesome dinner. It’s also lovely with grilled seafood or as part of a brunch spread with eggs and pastries. Let its vibrant flavor lead the way!

Creative Ways to Present

Present this salad on a long platter for a family-style effect, layer the ingredients in parfait glasses for an elegant starter, or serve in individual jars for a picnic-friendly treat. Each method shows off those beautiful colors and invites guests to dig right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some salad leftover, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day—the strawberries can release juice and soften, but the flavors will meld even more deliciously overnight.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Strawberry Caprese Salad doesn’t freeze well. The berries and mozzarella both lose their wonderful textures when thawed, so it’s best to just make what you’ll enjoy right away.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat it; just toss any chilled leftovers gently before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is a classic, you could try burrata for an even creamier texture, or bocconcini for mini bites. For something different, mild feta can add a pleasant tang, though it will change the classic flavor.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite plant-based mozzarella (or even avocado for creaminess), and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. You’ll still get all those bright, fresh flavors in a vegan Strawberry Caprese Salad.

Can I prepare Strawberry Caprese Salad in advance?

You can prep most components ahead—wash, hull, and cut the strawberries, and chop the basil. Store everything separately, then assemble and dress right before serving for the freshest results.

What kind of balsamic vinegar is best to use?

A high-quality aged balsamic will give you a sweeter, richer taste, but any balsamic you love works beautifully. If your vinegar is particularly tart, you might add a touch more honey to balance it out in your Strawberry Caprese Salad.

What’s the best way to cut the mozzarella for salad?

For easy eating, try slicing the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using small balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), just halve them. The goal is pieces that are close in size to your strawberry quarters for perfect forkfuls!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten up your table or treat yourself to something refreshingly out-of-the-ordinary, Strawberry Caprese Salad is a must-try. Its blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes is guaranteed to win you over—so don’t wait, gather up those juicy berries and fresh mozzarella, and let the flavors of summer shine!