Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad

A Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad brings all the flavors of the season together for a refreshing side or light lunch. Juicy strawberries mingle with creamy mozzarella and vibrant basil for a delightful twist on the classic Italian Caprese. Finished with a honey vinaigrette, this recipe offers a sweet, tangy dressing that perfectly bridges savory and fruity.

I reach for this salad every time I need something impressive for a picnic or barbecue, and it always disappears fast.

Ingredients

• Strawberries: Choose ripe firm berries for best sweetness and texture. Wash hull and slice right before assembling so they stay fresh.
• Blueberries: These add color and a pop of tartness. Go for plump berries without dents.
• Mozzarella pearls: Opt for the freshest mozzarella pearls you can find. Drain well so your salad does not get watery.
• Fresh basil: Bright and peppery basil is a must. Chiffonade for even flavor in every bite.
• Honey: Local honey adds natural sweetness. It blends well in the vinaigrette and balances the tangy vinegar.
• Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic gives a rich depth. Look for one that is syrupy and slightly sweet.
• Olive oil: Choose extra virgin for robust flavor. This helps tie all the salad components together.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Fine salt and freshly cracked black pepper lift and balance the flavors.

Instructions

Prep the Produce:

Clean hull and slice your strawberries ensuring each piece is about the same thickness for even texture. Drain your mozzarella pearls in a colander so they lose any excess moisture. Chiffonade the basil by stacking leaves rolling them tightly and slicing into thin ribbons.

Mix the Dressing:

Combine honey balsamic vinegar olive oil salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Assemble the Salad:

Add sliced strawberries blueberries mozzarella pearls and basil to a large salad bowl. Gently toss with clean hands or salad servers so the berries stay intact and the cheese does not break apart.

Dress and Marinate:

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad. Toss once more to combine and ensure all ingredients are coated. Let the mixture rest for at least fifteen minutes at room temperature to deepen the flavors.

Serve:

Transfer the salad to a serving platter or keep it in the bowl. Give a gentle toss just before serving so any juices that settled at the bottom get mixed back through.

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I absolutely love how the honey brings out the sweetness of ripe strawberries. My favorite memory is making this for my mom’s birthday out on the patio where the colors of the salad matched all the summer flowers she planted.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to two days. The longer it sits the more the fruits might release their juices. I have found that adding a handful of baby spinach or arugula right before serving revives any texture that softens overnight.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the mozzarella for crumbled feta goat cheese or blue cheese if you like a stronger flavor. Raspberries and blackberries both mix in easily with the strawberries and blueberries. If fresh basil is hard to find try a light scattering of baby arugula for a peppery twist.

Serving Suggestions

This salad works as a side for grilled chicken or fish and shines at summer potlucks. Sometimes I serve it over mixed greens to turn it into a more substantial lunch. Do not skip some rustic bread on the side to mop up extra dressing.

History and Context

Caprese salad comes from the Italian Isle of Capri traditionally using tomatoes mozzarella and basil. Swapping tomatoes for strawberries is a recent American adaptation but the sweet and savory combination fits right into both Mediterranean and summer picnic tables.

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Let the flavors of this salad shine by using the freshest ingredients you can find. Enjoy it all summer long for gatherings or just a special treat at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add unique flavor and extra color.

→ What cheese alternatives can I use?

Try goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese for a different creamy or tangy profile.

→ Can I make it more filling?

Incorporate fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or kale, or even avocado slices for heartiness.

→ How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

Prep ingredients in advance, but combine and dress just before serving to maintain texture.

→ What dressing variations work well?

Swap balsamic for red wine, apple cider, or white balsamic vinegar for a different twist.