Caprese Salad is hands down one of the major salad favorites of everyone. And why not? Its simple cherry tomatoes, balls of mozzarella and fresh basil all drizzled with a perfect balsamic dressing makes it flavorful and easy!
The only problem with this healthy appetizer is saving it for meal time rather than eating while prepping (which is what I do!).
What is Caprese Salad?
Caprese salad is simply a salad that encompasses tomatoes and mozzarella originating from Capri.
Perfect as a summer salad, you can use full beefsteak tomatoes and mozzarella slices with only seasonings or dive into the more creative versions that contain balsamic vinegar’s, balls of mozzarella, or mixed kinds of tomatoes like we used in this cherry tomato salad.
And make sure you enjoy with one of these perfect summer drink recipes!
Caprese Salad Recipe
The beautiful part of a caprese salad is that all these flavors pair well with chicken or creatives like crumbles of blue cheese or avocado, so do not be afraid to experiment and make it a custom salad that you will love daily! If you prefer, you could also alter this recipe to be a caprese appetizer in the shape of a lady bug. SO cute!!
I consider this caprese salad recipe more of a base on to bigger and better recipes, although the original I can eat in minutes.
You will need:
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 container, 8 oz, fresh Mozzarella cheese, drained -my package said ciliegine, cherry size
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Dietary: Heads up! This Caprese salad is Gluten Free and Paleo! Remember by pinning this special PIN!
Disclaimer: Dietary information below provided by Carb Manager. If you are on a KETO or Low Carb diet, always make sure to double check your own information with this or My Fitness Pal based on the brands and weights you use. I am not responsible for the calculations but do try to provide as much information as possible for readers to make informed decisions.
How to make Caprese Salad
For this 10 minutes or less salad, add tomatoes, cheese and basil to a bowl and mix well.
If desired, you can cut the cheese into halves or even quarter them.
I left them whole because it looks prettier/more contrast of large and small and white.
I do like to cut them smaller so that I can easily eat the combination of the three delicious ingredients!
I’ll leave that choice up to you and what you want out of your salad.
Fresh Mozzarella can be pretty expensive so cutting does help it go further into more meals.
As far as the tomatoes go, I used grape tomatoes in my Caprese Salad but you can use cherry as well. Cutting them in half is usually preferred.
For one, grape tomatoes can be different consistency so it lets you know that its a ripe tomato and not a spoiled one, plus it goes farther in a salad and has a better texture.
In a small bowl, add the balsamic and honey. Whisk well.
Drizzle over tomato mixture and serve immediately.
TIP: Spray that tablespoon and then add honey and it slides right out!
Store covered in a refrigerator.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Take the same ingredients and alternate your mozzarella balls, tomatoes and cut up (rather than shredded) basil.
Drizzle with your balsamic vinegar and honey mixture right before serving.
Caprese Salad is an easy recipe with cherry or grape tomatoes, balls of mozzarella and fresh basil all drizzled with a perfect balsamic dressing, this is an easy caprese salad recipe that will have you licking your plate and begging for more - Use with Skewers or add chicken and avocado!
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 1 container 8 oz, fresh Mozzarella cheese, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Add tomatoes, cheese and basil to a bowl and mix well.
- In a small bowl, add balsamic and honey. Whisk well. Drizzle over tomato mixture and serve.
- Store covered in a refrigerator.
Easily make into caprese skewers or add avocado and chicken for a more hearty dinner salad!
Want more salads you will love?
Try Cherry Tomatoes and Zucchini
or visit all our salad recipes and pick one that speaks to you!
Do not forget to pin this recipe for later!
