Fresh and Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
When it comes to summer side dishes, few things are as fresh, simple, and satisfying as a Caprese salad. It’s basically summer in a bowl—sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. If sunshine had a flavor, it might just be this.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck, craving a no-fuss lunch, or just needing an excuse to use that overflowing basil plant on your windowsill (we’ve all been there), this easy Caprese salad delivers every time.
Let’s dive into what makes this classic dish not just easy to throw together—but completely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano (or dried thyme)
- Balsamic glaze, for serving (optional)
Key Ingredients
The beauty of Caprese salad lies in its simplicity. But when you’re working with minimal ingredients, quality matters. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component makes a difference:
Cherry Tomatoes
Small but mighty, cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. They hold their shape better than larger slicing tomatoes, making them perfect for bite-sized salads. You can also use grape tomatoes or, if you’re layering instead of chopping, go for juicy heirlooms.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls
Also known as bocconcini, these little pearls of cheese are tender, creamy, and the perfect size—no slicing necessary! Look for ones packed in water for the freshest flavor. Can’t find them? A large ball of fresh mozzarella diced into cubes works just as well.
Fresh Basil
This is not the time for dried herbs. Fresh basil adds a bold, aromatic note that’s essential to any Caprese salad. Tear the leaves gently by hand to release their oils without bruising them.
Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
We keep it simple with a light vinaigrette of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. This adds just enough tang and earthiness to bring everything together.
Balsamic Glaze (Optional but Recommended)
Think of this as the cherry on top. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds depth, sweetness, and a restaurant-worthy finish. You can make it at home or buy it bottled.
How to Make Caprese Salad
Prep Time
10 minutes
refrigerate
15 minutes
Servings
6
1. Prep the Base
Grab a large mixing bowl. Add your halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and freshly chopped basil. Don’t worry about perfection—this salad is rustic, not rigid.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Pro tip: taste as you go. If your tomatoes are extra sweet, you might want a splash more vinegar for balance.
3. Toss It All Together
Pour your dressing over the tomato mixture. Gently toss until everything is coated and glossy. Be sure to get those basil leaves evenly distributed—they’re not just garnish, they’re flavor bombs.
4. Chill
Let the salad rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle and helps the salad stay crisp and cool.
5. Finish with Flair
Right before serving, give your salad a quick toss. Add a little extra basil or seasoning if needed. Then, drizzle with that beautiful balsamic glaze. You’re officially a salad rockstar.
Ways to Enjoy Caprese Salad
This salad isn’t just for side-dish status—it’s a total multitasker. Here are a few fun ways to serve it up:
1. On Crostini
Pile it on crusty baguette slices for a bruschetta-style appetizer. Bonus points if you rub the toast with garlic first.
2. Caprese Skewers
Hosting a party? Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto toothpicks and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Easy, mess-free finger food.
3. Caprese Pasta Salad
Toss with cooked pasta (like rotini or penne) for a more filling dish. It makes an awesome picnic lunch or potluck favorite.
4. Add Protein
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak pair beautifully with this salad and turn it into a full meal.
5. Layered Caprese
Go traditional with thick slices of tomato and mozzarella, layered with basil leaves and drizzled with olive oil and glaze.
Recommended Tools & Favorite Picks
If you’re looking to make this salad a breeze (and make it Instagram-worthy), here are some tools we recommend:
| Tool | Why It Helps |
| Cherry Tomato Slicer | Perfectly slice a whole handful of tomatoes at once. Time saver! |
| Mini Tongs | For tossing delicate salads without bruising the basil. |
| Ceramic Salad Bowl Set | A beautiful set to serve and display your Caprese salad. |
| Olive Oil & Vinegar Dispensers | These help you drizzle with precision and style. |
| Fresh Herb Keeper | Keep basil and other herbs fresher, longer. |
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Tips for Success
Use the Freshest Ingredients
The fewer the ingredients, the more important freshness becomes. Use ripe tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and vibrant basil for best results.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time
Even just 15 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld. If you’re bringing it to a BBQ, make it an hour ahead for peak flavor.
Keep It Dry
Pat your mozzarella balls dry before adding them to the salad. This keeps your dressing from getting watered down.
Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze
Just simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it reduces by half. That’s it! It becomes syrupy, sweet, and totally addictive.
Add-Ons to Try
Feeling adventurous? Mix in diced avocado, roasted pine nuts, or even a swirl of basil pesto for a new twist on a classic.
FAQs
The Final Bite
This Caprese salad is proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’s light, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
So next time you need a quick crowd-pleaser—or just a way to use up those summer tomatoes—you know what to do.
Fresh. Bright. Balanced. Delicious.
Caprese Salad, we love you.
More Bougie-On-A-Budget Combo Recipes:
- Grilled Lemon Chicken: Quick, Healthy & Delicious
- Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers – Perfect for Summer BBQs
- Couscous Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette
- Watermelon and Feta Bites: The Ultimate Summer Appetizer
- Refreshing Cucumber Lime Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)
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