Name: Refreshing Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lb strawberries (hulled and sliced); 1 pint blueberries; 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (drained); Handful of fresh basil (chiffonade); 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, vibrant, and flavor-packed side that screams summer, this Delicious Recipe for Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad will capture your heart (and your appetite) in one bite! Sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a chiffonade of fresh basil come together in a colorful bowl, all pulled together by a tangy honey-balsamic vinaigrette. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a picnic at the park, this salad instantly brightens any table and delivers an unexpected twist on the classic Caprese you know and love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Delicious Recipe shines with a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Each component brings something special, from sweetness to creaminess to herbal freshness, creating that unmistakable summer magic.

Strawberries: Use super ripe, just-hulled berries for the sweetest, most vibrant bites.
Blueberries: Their tangy pop adds both color and a burst of juice that balances the dish.
Mozzarella pearls: These small balls bring rich creaminess and absorb the flavors of the vinaigrette perfectly.
Fresh basil: Chiffonade into ribbons to add bright, fragrant notes and the ultimate fresh touch.
Honey: Natural sweetness that ties together the fruit and the savory elements of the salad.
Balsamic vinegar: Its deep, tangy depth elevates the flavors and gives that classic Caprese zing.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and luxurious texture.
Salt: Just enough to bring out the essence of the fresh produce.
Ground black pepper: A gentle kick and finish that wakes up every bite.

How to Make Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients

Begin by washing and hulling your strawberries, then slicing them into bite-size pieces for easy eating. Drain the mozzarella pearls so they’re not watery, and chiffonade your basil by stacking the leaves, rolling them up, and slicing into thin ribbons. These little preparations make a big difference when you toss everything together later!

Step 2: Mix the Honey-Balsamic Dressing

Grab a small bowl and add the honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk it all together until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing looks glossy and unified. This is your secret sauce that melds every element of this Delicious Recipe.

Step 3: Combine the Fruit, Cheese, and Basil

In a large serving bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella pearls, and basil ribbons. Try to distribute everything evenly—those pops of green, white, red, and blue should look like edible confetti!

Step 4: Toss Everything and Let It Marinate

Pour the honey-balsamic dressing over the salad and toss everything gently so the fruit and cheese get coated without getting squished. Give it about 15 minutes to stand at room temperature; this quick marination allows the flavors to mingle and really amps up the Delicious Recipe factor.

How to Serve Refreshing Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad

Garnishes

This salad truly sings with a final sprinkle of extra fresh basil on top, or you can shave a little lemon zest for brightness. A pinch of flaky sea salt or some freshly cracked black pepper adds eye-catching finish and even more flavor pop.

Side Dishes

Serve this alongside grilled chicken, flaky fish, or crunchy crostini for a full summer spread. It’s also delightful as a light lunch on its own, maybe with a slice of rustic sourdough on the side to mop up the tangy dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

This Delicious Recipe looks gorgeous served in a glass trifle bowl for dramatic layers, or in individual mason jars for picnics and potlucks. You can also thread the salad onto skewers for a fun, portable appetizer twist—the possibilities are deliciously endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (it does happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The fruit may release some juices, but everything still tastes bright and refreshing for up to two days.

Freezing

Because this Delicious Recipe relies on fresh fruit and delicate cheese, freezing isn’t recommended—it tends to get mushy and lose its lovely texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or the next day for peak pleasure.

Reheating

No reheating necessary here! In fact, this salad is all about cool, crisp bites. If it’s been sitting in the fridge, just give it a gentle toss and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to wake up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese for this Refreshing Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad?

Absolutely! While mozzarella pearls offer the perfect bite-sized creaminess, you can experiment with burrata or even goat cheese for a tangier twist.

Is it okay to mix other fruits into the salad?

Definitely—try adding sliced peaches, raspberries, or blackberries for extra color and variety. Just be sure to cut them to a size similar to your strawberries so every forkful is balanced.

What’s the best way to chiffonade basil?

Stack a few leaves, roll them up tight, and use a sharp knife to slice into thin ribbons. This technique releases the lovely aroma while making your Delicious Recipe look and taste gourmet.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and dressing ahead, but wait to toss everything together until just before serving to keep the fruit and cheese as fresh as possible.

How do I know if my strawberries are sweet enough?

Give one a taste! If they need a little help, add a tiny drizzle more honey to the dressing when you mix it up. The right strawberries will make your Delicious Recipe really sing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that one dish to wow your crowd and savor summer’s best flavors, look no further than this Delicious Recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for any occasion—give it a try and let the sweet, savory magic make your next meal unforgettable!

Refreshing Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad

★★★★★

5.2 from 26 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful Strawberry Caprese Salad. Sweet strawberries, juicy blueberries, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette – a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Caprese Salad:

2 lb strawberries (hulled and sliced)
1 pint blueberries
8 ounces mozzarella pearls (drained)
Handful of fresh basil (chiffonade)

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Prep: Clean, hull, and slice the strawberries. Drain the mozzarella and chiffonade the basil.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined.
Assemble: In a large bowl, combine strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella pearls, and basil.
Toss: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
Rest: Let the salad stand for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding toasted nuts or a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze.
This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours; just let it come to room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian