Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

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

A fresh and colorful Caprese salad that celebrates patriotism with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and blueberries drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs pint, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh blueberries, torn 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 180 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 Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half and thickens into a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: On a large serving platter, arrange 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 8 oz halved fresh mozzarella balls, and 1/2 cup fresh blueberries in a visually appealing pattern.
  3. Step 3: Scatter 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves evenly over the fruit and cheese.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the salad with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and the cooled balsamic glaze. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 pint, halved cherry tomatoes 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 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 Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze 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.

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