Half-and-Half Italian Caprese Salad

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

A fresh Caprese salad combining half ripe cherry tomatoes and half mozzarella balls drizzled with basil-infused olive oil. This italian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs (halved) cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), whole 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 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup mini mozzarella balls, mixing gently to combine.
  2. Step 2: Tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves into large pieces and add to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Toss everything gently until the olive oil and vinegar evenly coat the ingredients. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-and-Half Italian Caprese Salad take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Half-and-Half Italian 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 (halved) cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Italian 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 Half-and-Half Italian Caprese Salad 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.

Is Half-and-Half Italian 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.

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