Balsamic Strawberry Caprese – Fresh & Flavorful Twist Recipe

Delight in a refreshing fusion of juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella and aromatic basil accented with a tangy balsamic glaze. This innovative twist on the classic Caprese salad unites sweet and savory notes, delivering a vibrant, delectable dish perfect for summer gatherings or an upscale appetizer. Enjoy an unforgettable burst of flavor.

I recently made my Balsamic Strawberry Caprese and was blown away by how the flavors came together. Personally, I love how the juicy strawberries complement the mild, fresh mozzarella and crisp basil leaves to create a dish that is both sweet and savory.

When I mix 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, with 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds, and 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, I know I’m in for something special. Drizzled with 3-4 tablespoons balsamic glaze, this dish packs a flavorful punch with nutritional benefits like vitamin C from the strawberries and protein from the mozzarella.

It’s perfect as a light appetizer or a healthy side dish at gatherings like potlucks or cookouts. I enjoy using this recipe as a twist on traditional savory veggie dishes, and it’s a great way to add a refreshing option to my summer menu.

Enjoy this vibrant dish full of character and taste!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how the sweet strawberries mix with the fresh mozzarella and basil because it just hits the spot for me even though it sounds simple. I like that the balsamic glaze gives it that extra burst of flavor which makes every bite feel special. I also really appreciate how easy it is to put together, so when I don’t have a lot of time, I can still make something that feels fancy. And not to mention, the way it looks is awesome and makes me feel like I’m serving up something really cool at parties.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries deliver vitamin C and fiber while adding a natural sweetness and tang.
• Fresh mozzarella offers protein and calcium, with a mild, creamy taste that enhances the dish.
• Basil leaves add fresh aroma and vitamins, naturally uplifting every bite, its flavor bright.
• Balsamic glaze gives a sweet, sour kick with carbohydrates, balancing the dish tastefully.
• A pinch of salt enhances all flavors, making every bite pop even in subtle amounts.
• Freshly ground pepper adds a bit of heat and depth, rounding out the taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 3-4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by laying out your sliced strawberries evenly on a large serving plate.

2. Place the fresh mozzarella slices in rows or in a circular pattern over the strawberries.

3. Scatter whole basil leaves all over the plate; feel free to roughly tear some leaves for extra flavor.

4. Now, sprinkle a little bit of salt over the strawberries, mozzarella, and basil.

5. Follow up with a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over your arranged salad; make sure to get a bit on every section.

7. Give everything a quick look and adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle before serving.

9. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Balsamic Strawberry Caprese as a stunning appetizer or side dish.

10. If you have leftovers, keep them covered in the fridge and serve at room temperature next time.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board – This is needed for safely slicing the strawberries and the mozzarella so they don’t get mushy.
2. Sharp knife – A good knife will help you get even slices of strawberries and cheese, which is important for the overall nutritional balance of the dish.
3. Large serving plate – You need a big enough plate to arrange the fruits, cheese, and basil leaves nicely.
4. Measuring spoon – Use this to accurately portion out the balsamic glaze so you dont overdo it.
5. Spoon – A regular spoon works just fine for drizzling the glaze evenly over the salad.
6. Timer – Although optional, a timer makes it easy to keep track of the 5 minutes needed for the flavors to mingle.

FAQ

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese – Fresh & Flavorful Twist Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t get fresh strawberries, you can use raspberries or even blueberries for a different burst of flavor
• If fresh mozzarella is hard to find, try using burrata or even a mild feta for a similar creamy texture
• No basil on hand? Fresh mint or arugula can work as substitutes to give an aromatic twist
• You can make your own balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey if you’re short on the store bought kind
• If you need to cut back on salt, try using a salt substitute or just use a lighter sprinkle of sea salt

Pro Tips

1. One thing you might wanna do is let the mozzarella sit out for a bit. Using room temperature cheese really makes the flavors pop and blend better with the strawberries and basil
2. Try drizzling the balsamic glaze slowly and evenly over your plate. That way every bite gets a bit of tang without the salad getting too soggy
3. When you add the salt and pepper, sprinkle them lightly at first and then taste. It’s easy to overdo it so adding a little at a time gives you a better balance
4. If you have extra basil, don’t be shy to tear up some of the leaves instead of just using them whole. That helps release more of the basil flavor into the salad overall