Strawberry-Basil Caprese Salad
A sweet and savory twist on the classic Caprese, featuring ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs (bocconcini) mozzarella balls, pint, hulled and sliced strawberries, torn fresh basil 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 220 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
- 8 oz (bocconcini) mozzarella balls
- 1 pint, hulled and sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 1 pint strawberries (hulled and sliced), and 1/4 cup fresh basil (torn).
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently to coat all components.
- Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry-Basil 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 Strawberry-Basil 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 (bocconcini) mozzarella balls from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry-Basil 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 Strawberry-Basil 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.
What goes well with Strawberry-Basil Caprese Salad?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The strawberries and basil together are a perfect summer combination! Made for a dinner party and everyone loved it.
- ★★★★★
Best Caprese salad I've ever had, especially with the fresh basil and strawberries. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese. The sweetness of the strawberries balances the tomato perfectly.
