Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A caprese salad is traditionally made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, with a balsamic glaze.  It is called Caprese because it is believed that the salad originated in the city of Capri.  We have taken a modern twist on the original and replaced the tomatoes with fresh strawberries. We have also swapped the balsamic glaze for a honey balsamic dressing. Its a combo of a spinach strawberry salad and a caprese salad. I also love to serve Fresh Summer Corn Salad during the warmer months.

You're going to love this recipe because:

1. The sweet and savory combo - The sweetness of the strawberries and the savory cheese creating a that yin and yang that is amazing in food. Similar to a strawberry spinach salad we are combining sweet and savory for a match made in heaven.
2. Fresh healthy ingredients - Fresh strawberries, fresh basil, and a hearty mozzarella cheese make for a light and delicious dish.
3. Easy to make- Strawberry Caprese salad is a simple dish with only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
4. Perfect for warm weather - The lightness and freshness of the salad make it an ideal choice for summertime. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings.
5. The perfect side - I love serving this alongside citrus glazed salmon, instant pot chicken, or lime chicken. But really is great alongside anything!

About The Ingredients

Everything you need for this recipe can be purchased at your local grocery store. Here are a few items to note:

• Strawberries - when selecting fresh strawberries Look for bright red color: Choose strawberries that are bright red all over, with no white or green spots. The deeper the red color, the riper and sweeter the strawberry will be. Avoid strawberries that are mushy or have soft spots. They should also have nice fresh green tops.
• Mozzarella Pearls - Mozzarella pearls are small balls of fresh mozzarella cheese that are often used in salads, appetizers, and other dishes. They can be found in the deli aisle of your grocery store.
• Fresh basil - when selecting fresh basil, look for bright green leaves. Avoid anything that looks wilted or discolored. You also want basil with a nice firm stem.

For a complete list of ingredients and amounts, see recipe card below.

How Do I Make Summer Strawberry Salad?

Throwing this salad together is a cinch, you will only dirty two bowls!

Prep: Clean, hull, and slice your strawberries. Drain your mozzarella pearls.

Step 1:  In a small bowl balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Step 2: Add in honey and salt and pepper.

Step 3: Whisk until combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine 3 cup sliced strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella pearls, and basil in a large bowl.

Pro Tip: To keep your strawberry slices uniform, try using a hard boiled egg slicer. Not only is it fast and easy, but it makes perfect slices.

Variations

• Add additional berries: Try adding in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to your salad ingredients- they are all delicious in this salad and add some nice color and texture.
• Add nuts: To add a crunchy texture, try adding some chopped walnuts, sugared almonds, or pecans to the salad.
• Add avocado: Adding slices of avocado to the salad adds a creamy texture.
• Swap the cheese: If you don't care for mozzarella balls, try swapping out the mozzarella for crumbled goat cheese, crumbled feta cheese, or blue cheese.
• Add greens: To make the salad more filling and nutritious, add some fresh greens such as arugula, spinach, or kale.
• Use different vinegar: Instead of balsamic vinegar, try using red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white balsamic vinegar - each has a different flavor profile and each is delicious.

FAQs

Pro Kitchen Tips

1. Choose ripe and fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is key to making a this Caprese salad. Choose ripe and juicy strawberries, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves for the best flavor.
2. Slice ingredients evenly: To ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the salad, slice everything into similar sizes. I like to use a hard boiled egg slicer to slice my strawberries.
3. Let the salad marinate: To allow the flavors to marry together, let the salad stand for 15 minutes before serving.

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