Name: Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb strawberries (hulled and sliced); 1 pint blueberries; 8 ounces mozzarella pearls (drained); Handful of fresh basil (chiffonade); 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

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If you’re craving a dish that captures the essence of sunny days and juicy sweetness, you absolutely need to try this Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe. Bright, fresh strawberries mingle beautifully with silky mozzarella pearls and vibrant basil leaves, all kissed by a luscious honey-balsamic dressing. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad that’s both refreshing and bursting with layered flavors, perfect for warm-weather entertaining or a simple, elegant lunch that feels like a celebration on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with many red strawberries with green tops is placed next to a small glass jar of golden honey with a wooden honey dipper resting inside. Below the strawberries, there is a bottle of dark balsamic vinegar with a beige cap. To the left, a white bowl contains small white mozzarella balls. Fresh green basil leaves are laid out around the bowls and bottles. Next to the bowl of mozzarella, there is a clear salt and pepper shaker. Below all of these, a set of four wooden measuring spoons tied with a string is placed on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to bringing this Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe to life. Each adds a critical note—sweetness, creaminess, herbaceousness, or that perfect balance of tang and sweetness in the dressing.

Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color that make the salad pop.
Blueberries: These tiny bursts of juicy tartness complement strawberries and add a lovely contrast in texture.
Mozzarella pearls: Creamy and tender, these bite-sized pieces soften the salad’s bright flavors with their delicate richness.
Fresh basil: When chiffonade sliced, it brings a fresh, aromatic herbal note that ties all the ingredients together.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar and brightens the overall flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: This classic ingredient introduces a tangy depth and subtle sweetness, elevating the salad’s complexity.
Olive oil: A smooth, fruity oil binds the dressing, giving the salad a silky mouthfeel and a hint of richness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making each ingredient shine on its own.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and spiciness that wakes up your palate.

How to Make Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos. On the left, a white plate with a dark rim sits on a white marbled surface, holding a mix of yellow and dark brown sauce being stirred quickly by a woman's hand holding a whisk. The sauce appears smooth and glossy. On the right, a clear glass bowl also on a white marbled surface contains three layers of ingredients: bright green chopped basil leaves on the left, white small mozzarella balls in the middle, and vibrant red sliced strawberries on the right. A woman's hand with blue-green nail polish holds a wooden spoon inside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by cleaning and hulling your strawberries, then slice them into even pieces to ensure every bite is juicy and tender. Drain your mozzarella pearls well so they don’t water down the salad, and chiffonade your fresh basil into delicate ribbons that will add a bright herbal flair.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to create a perfectly balanced dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and savory—essential for enhancing the salad’s fresh flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Gently combine the sliced strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella pearls, and chiffonade basil in a large bowl. Mixing these fresh components carefully preserves the textures and colors, which are just as important as the taste in this salad.

Step 4: Dress and Rest

Pour the dressing over the combined fruits and cheese, then toss everything lightly to coat. Letting the salad rest for about 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to gently soften the berries and cheese for a harmonious bite.

How to Serve Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, consider adding a few whole basil leaves on top or even a drizzle of reduced balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the fresh salad.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a light pasta. It’s also perfect for picnic spreads or as part of a colorful brunch table, offering a juicy, creamy counterpoint to savory mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the salad in clear glass bowls or mason jars for a beautiful visual effect that shows off all the vibrant colors. You can also serve it on a large platter arranged in alternating rows of strawberries, mozzarella, and basil for a stunning app that instantly draws applause.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day, as the berries release juice over time and the mozzarella can soften, but even then, the flavors remain delightfully fresh.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing since the fresh berries and mozzarella lose their texture and integrity when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for that perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. The fresh ingredients shine brightest chilled or at room temperature, so simply toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing if it has settled.

FAQs

Can I substitute other berries for strawberries or blueberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries or blackberries can add their own unique tartness and sweetness, but strawberries and blueberries work best to keep the classic flavor profile of this Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe.

What type of mozzarella works best here?

Mozzarella pearls are ideal because their small size and soft texture blend effortlessly with the berries, but fresh mozzarella balls torn into bite-sized pieces also work beautifully.

Is there a vegan alternative for the cheese?

Yes, you can use dairy-free mozzarella or a similar soft vegan cheese to keep this recipe plant-based while maintaining that creamy contrast between fruit and cheese.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Definitely! The dressing can be whisked up a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, just give it a quick re-whisk before tossing it with the salad ingredients for maximum flavor impact.

How long should I let the salad marinate before serving?

Allowing it to rest for at least 15 minutes is ideal. This lets the dressing soften the berries slightly and infuse their juices through the mozzarella and basil for an even more flavorful experience.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like summer in every bite: bright, fresh, and just so satisfying. Whether you’re sharing it at a backyard gathering or savoring it as a solo snack, it’s an easy-to-make, show-stopping dish that invites smiles and second helpings. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to salad for warm weather bliss!