Aperol Vinaigrette Caprese Salad
A classic Caprese salad elevated with a tangy Aperol vinaigrette for bright, herbaceous flavor. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs Cherry tomatoes, ounces Fresh mozzarella balls, Fresh basil leaves 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 150 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons Aperol
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons Aperol, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: Arrange 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls on a serving platter.
- Step 3: Drizzle the Aperol vinaigrette over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Step 4: Scatter 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves over the top and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol Vinaigrette Caprese Salad 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 Vinaigrette Caprese Salad?
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 cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol Vinaigrette Caprese Salad?
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 Vinaigrette Caprese Salad 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 Vinaigrette Caprese Salad?
Italian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made for my family dinner and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
This was a delightful twist on Caprese! The Aperol gave it a perfect bright note without overpowering the cheese.
- ★★★★☆
Quick and easy, but took a bit longer to make than I expected because of the dressing.
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