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Strawberry Caprese Salad

Strawberry Caprese Salad

Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, the Strawberry Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite. It perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries with creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and tangy balsamic glaze, making it an ideal light summer appetizer or colorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 pint fresh ripe strawberries, washed and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, gently rinsed and dried
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into chunks

Dressing & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries and Basil: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and slice them evenly for balanced presentation. Gently rinse the basil leaves and pat them dry to retain their vibrant color and aroma.
  2. Slice the Mozzarella: Cut the fresh mozzarella into medium-thick slices or tear it into bite-sized chunks depending on your presentation preference.
  3. Arrange the Ingredients: On a serving platter, alternate layers of strawberry slices, mozzarella pieces, and basil leaves for a visually appealing and easy-to-eat salad.
  4. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the arranged salad, followed by a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a sweet and tangy contrast.
  5. Season and Serve: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing all the individual flavors before serving immediately for the freshest experience.

Notes

  • Choose bright red, fragrant strawberries without white tips for the sweetest flavor.
  • Always use fresh mozzarella to ensure a soft, creamy texture.
  • Use a balsamic glaze or thick reduction for sweetness; avoid plain vinegar as it can be too sharp.
  • Assemble the salad just before serving to keep basil vibrant and prevent mozzarella from becoming soggy.
  • Let mozzarella and strawberries sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance their flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry Caprese Salad, fresh mozzarella salad, summer salad, balsamic glaze salad, light appetizer, gluten free salad