Half-Size 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Size 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 Half-Size 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 Half-Size 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 Half-Size 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 Half-Size 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.
