Strawberry Caprese Salad with Avocado
Caprese Salad with bites of strawberry and cherry tomatoes is a burst of flavor in every bite! Incredible mini bites of tomato, cheese, and strawberries all folded into balsamic is an eruption of flavor in every. single. bite.
Servings: 5 cups
Calories: 175kcal
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar this is for the reduction. If using a bottled Balsamic Glaze, skip this ingredient.
- 1 pint strawberries washed, stems removed and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup grape tomatoes cut into quarters
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese balls petite/pearl sized , cut into halves or quartered
- 1 avocado cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper
- tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- BALSAMIC REDUCTION
- In a small saucepan add vinegar. Heat on medium low for 8-12 minutes. Please note that this can reduce quickly and quite a bit if your stove is particularly hot (like gas stoves). I have made it where it only took 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until mixture begins to thicken. Remove reduction from heat and let cool.
- Mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
- This can be made a day ahead of time.
CAPRESE SALAD RECIPE- Meanwhile, In a large mixing bowl, add cut up strawberries, chopped tomatoes, chopped mozzarella cheese, cut up avocado and fresh basil.
- Stir caprese salad to mix well.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix strawberry caprese salad well again till all ingredients are covered.
- Place into a serving bowl and drizzle with balsamic vinegar reduction on top. If serving to a large crowd, its ok to mix in but note that Balsamic is not that pretty and will take your salad from a bright red and beautiful salad to brown (which is why its better to serve as a topping per bowl)
- Serve this recipe immediately.
- Will keep in fridge for about 2 days, but note that the avocado will brown in the fridge (still tastes the same)
Video
Notes
Is there a substitute for balsamic reduction?
I understand that balsamic reduction can be a little more time consuming than someone may want for just a simple salad like this. However, the flavors are still really good, so instead substitute for a premade Balsamic Glaze like Bertolli. These are generally available by the vinegars in your local store.
Are there any variations to this salad?
Try adding small chunks of fresh watermelon and mint leaves instead of strawberry and basil.
What proteins go best with Caprese?
Premade rotisserie chicken that is shredded makes a super quick and protein filled salad. That being said, the best is to add freshly grilled chicken and then Strawberry Caprese topping to it. Delicious!
Other than a side dish or chips, are there any other ways to enjoy Strawberry Caprese?
One of my VERY FAVORITE ways to eat this dish is as a crostini. Simply make up golden crusted French Bread in the oven and then top with this dish. Its amazing.
Can Strawberry Caprese Salad be stored for later?
Anything with fresh avocado has a short shelf life. Avocado begins oxidizing immediately and can get mushy. From experience, this salad is generally only good for about a day in an airtight container.
Can pasta be added to strawberry Caprese salad?
Absolutely! This dish would go amazing with some rotini pasta.
Makes a delicious chunky, hearty dip OR a great mini bite refreshing side salad. Additionally, I love this Caprese salad version on bruschetta!
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 429mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 403IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg