Aperol-Infused Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant twist on classic caprese, where Aperol's citrus notes brighten fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, paired with a glossy balsamic reduction. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, Aperol into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices alternately on a platter, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then top with half the basil leaves.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together Aperol, balsamic vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil until emulsified. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the salad, ensuring every slice is lightly coated.
  3. Step 3: Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then scatter remaining basil over the top. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Infused Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh mozzarella from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aperol-Infused Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aperol-Infused Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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