Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is incredibly easy to make and uses just a handful of ingredients that shine with natural flavor. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes pairs perfectly with the soft mozzarella and the aromatic freshness of basil. It’s a beautiful, colorful dish that takes just minutes to prepare, and it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, dinner party, or enjoying it as a quick snack, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
4. Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and add to the bowl.
5. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
8. Serve immediately, or chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Use heirloom cherry tomatoes: For a mix of colors and extra sweetness.
• Skewered version: Assemble on toothpicks for easy party appetizers.
• Add greens: Serve over arugula or spinach for a salad-meets-Caprese dish.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based mozzarella alternatives.
• Marinated mozzarella: Use seasoned or marinated mozzarella balls for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh.
If storing, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
For best results, add the basil and balsamic glaze just before serving, as they can wilt or become soggy when stored.
Do not freeze.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for the freshest taste and appearance, assemble and dress the salad just before serving.

What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Use small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine). You can also cut larger fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.

Do I need to use balsamic glaze?

Balsamic glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish, but you can also use a splash of balsamic vinegar if preferred.

How do I prevent the basil from wilting?

Add the basil just before serving and avoid refrigerating it once mixed in.

Can I use grape tomatoes instead?

Yes, grape tomatoes work well and offer a slightly firmer texture.

What’s the difference between bocconcini and ciliegine?

Both are small mozzarella balls. Bocconcini are slightly larger than ciliegine, but both work well in this recipe.

Is this salad served cold or at room temperature?

Caprese salad is best served at room temperature to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes and cheese.

Can I add protein?

Yes, grilled chicken, prosciutto, or chickpeas make great protein additions.

What’s a good substitute for fresh basil?

Fresh basil is key to Caprese, but in a pinch, try arugula or a basil-infused olive oil.

How do I make my own balsamic glaze?

Simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until reduced by half and syrupy. Let cool before using.

Conclusion

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil drizzled in olive oil and balsamic glaze, it’s a timeless recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it as a side, starter, or light meal, it delivers bright, delicious flavor with minimal effort.

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

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Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Italian salad. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a simple, elegant dish perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
2. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
4. Tear basil leaves into smaller pieces and add to the bowl.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Gently toss to coat ingredients evenly.
8. Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use heirloom cherry tomatoes for added color and sweetness.
• Add basil and balsamic glaze just before serving to preserve freshness.
• Serve on toothpicks for party-friendly Caprese skewers.
• Store up to 1 day in the refrigerator, but best enjoyed fresh.
• Add avocado or greens for variation and more texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg