Tangy-Sweet Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe for Summer Bliss

Sweet summer memories dance through this balsamic strawberry caprese, bridging classic italian flavors with unexpected fruity notes.

Ripe strawberries add vibrant color and surprising depth to the traditional salad.

Juicy red gems complement creamy mozzarella in a delightful contrast of textures.

Fresh basil leaves weave aromatic magic between each delectable bite.

Tangy balsamic reduction drizzled across the plate creates elegant swirls of intense flavor.

We promise this simple yet sophisticated dish will become an instant favorite at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Balsamic Strawberry Caprese

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add a sweet and juicy element to the classic Caprese salad.
• Mozzarella: Creamy and soft fresh mozzarella provides a rich and smooth texture to the dish.
• Basil: Fragrant fresh basil leaves bring a classic Italian herb flavor to the salad.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A tangy and slightly sweet vinegar that creates a deep, complex flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: A smooth and fruity oil that helps blend the vinaigrette and adds richness to the dressing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.

Preparation Steps for Strawberry Caprese

Step 1: Create Tangy Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt

The vinaigrette should look glossy and well-combined with a rich, deep color.

Step 2: Assemble Fresh Caprese Salad

• Ripe strawberries
• Fresh basil leaves
• Prepared balsamic vinaigrette

Add the strawberries and mozzarella to a mixing bowl.

Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the mixture.

Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad.

Use a gentle folding motion to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring each piece gets a light, flavorful dressing.

The result will be a vibrant, colorful salad that combines sweet, tangy, and herbal flavors.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter.

For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional whole basil leaves or a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

This salad is best served immediately while the ingredients are fresh and the flavors are at their peak.

Pro Tips for Balsamic Strawberry Caprese

• Choose deep red, fragrant strawberries that are firm but not hard for the best flavor and texture in your Caprese.
• Hand-tear basil leaves instead of chopping to prevent bruising and maintain their delicate flavor and vibrant green color.
• Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and drizzle sparingly to enhance without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
• Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to cool slightly.
• Consume within an hour of preparing to prevent basil from wilting and mozzarella from losing its fresh texture.

Variations for Strawberry Caprese

• Vegan Caprese Swap: Replace mozzarella with firm tofu or cashew cheese for a plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Tropical Remix: Substitute strawberries with diced mangoes or pineapple to create a bright, summery version of the classic salad.
• Gluten-Free Fresh Approach: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for added nutrition.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring heat and complexity to the traditional Caprese flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Balsamic Strawberry Caprese

• Fresh Garden Party Platter: Arrange the Balsamic Strawberry Caprese on a rustic wooden board with additional fresh basil leaves and whole strawberries for a stunning appetizer display.
• Picnic Perfect Presentation: Pack this dish in a chilled container for outdoor summer gatherings, serving alongside crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for added crunch.
• Elegant Starter Option: Serve individual portions in small glass bowls or on elegant white plates, garnishing with a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper and extra virgin olive oil drizzle.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the sweet and tangy flavors with a crisp, chilled rosé or light Pinot Grigio to enhance the refreshing taste profile of the dish.

Storage Advice for Strawberry Caprese

• Store leftover Caprese salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep basil leaves fresh by placing a damp paper towel over the top before sealing.
• To prevent sogginess, store vinaigrette separately from salad components in different sealed containers.
• Before serving refrigerated salad, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and soften cheese.
• Do not freeze this dish, as mozzarella and fresh herbs will lose texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese?

Fresh strawberries, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves are the main ingredients, complemented by a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that brings the dish together.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is completely vegetarian-friendly and can be easily prepared as a light appetizer or side dish.

• How can I select the best strawberries for this recipe?

Choose ripe, bright red strawberries that are firm but not hard, with a sweet aroma and no white or green patches, ensuring maximum flavor in your dish.

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Essentials

• Whip Up Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of fresh summer produce with this vibrant, colorful salad that transforms classic caprese into a fruity, tangy masterpiece.
• Breeze Through Preparation: Minimal cooking required means you can assemble this dish in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to suit personal tastes, dietary needs, or what's available in your kitchen, ensuring flexibility and creativity.
• Impress Without Stress: Elevate your meal presentation with a gourmet-looking dish that requires zero culinary expertise, guaranteed to wow dinner guests or family members.

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories dance through this Balsamic Strawberry Caprese, blending classic Italian flavors with fresh seasonal charm. Juicy strawberries and creamy mozzarella create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) strawberries (sliced)
• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella (sliced into halves)
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) basil (chopped)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vinaigrette by vigorously whisking balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly emulsified.
2. Hull and slice fresh strawberries into thin, elegant wedges, ensuring uniform size for balanced presentation.
3. Tear fresh basil leaves into delicate pieces, releasing their aromatic oils and maximizing flavor potential.
4. Slice fresh mozzarella into bite-sized medallions, creating a creamy contrast to the bright strawberries.
5. Assemble the salad by gently layering mozzarella, strawberry slices, and basil leaves in a decorative arrangement.
6. Drizzle the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the composed salad, allowing the dressing to cascade gracefully and enhance the ingredients’ natural flavors.
7. Serve immediately at room temperature to preserve the ingredients’ optimal texture and taste, ensuring a vibrant and refreshing culinary experience.

Notes

• Boost flavor by using high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Chill ingredients before assembling to maintain optimal texture and prevent mozzarella from becoming too soft.
• For a low-carb variation, replace traditional balsamic with a sugar-free balsamic reduction to reduce overall sugar content.
• Consider toasting pine nuts or adding fresh cracked black pepper for extra depth and crunch in the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg