Balsamic-Glazed Caprese Salad
Classic Caprese with a modern twist, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a glossy balsamic reduction. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (about 8 oz), fresh mozzarella balls, torn basil leaves, balsamic glaze 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 200 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 (about 8 oz), fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup, torn basil leaves
- 1 large, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds tomato
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange 1 large sliced tomato on a serving platter, then layer with 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls in an alternating pattern.
- Step 2: Place 1 cup torn basil leaves over the tomato and mozzarella layers, gently pressing to distribute.
- Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp balsamic glaze evenly over the salad, then sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve with additional basil leaves for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Balsamic-Glazed 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 Balsamic-Glazed 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 torn basil leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Glazed 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 Balsamic-Glazed 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.
Is Balsamic-Glazed Caprese Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
