Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
A fresh and vibrant Caprese salad featuring half a ball of mozzarella and ripe tomatoes, drizzled with sweet balsamic glaze. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs ball (about 4 oz) fresh mozzarella ball, medium ripe tomatoes, sliced, leaves 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 350 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1/2 ball (about 4 oz) fresh mozzarella ball
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 6-8 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 2: On a serving plate, arrange 1/2 ball (about 4 oz) sliced fresh mozzarella alternating with 2 medium sliced ripe tomatoes and scatter 10 fresh basil leaves between.
- Step 3: Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad, then season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 4: Finish by drizzling the cooled balsamic glaze over the entire salad just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 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 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze?
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.
