Sun-Dried Tomato Caprese Salad
A vibrant, no-cook salad featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, drizzled with a light herb vinaigrette for a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 8 oz fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on a plate.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Arrange 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion over the mozzarella.
- Step 4: Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad, then scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves on top.
- Step 5: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Sun-Dried Tomato 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 sun-dried tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato 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 Sun-Dried Tomato 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.
What goes well with Sun-Dried Tomato Caprese Salad?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
So fresh and colorful, it’s a meal in itself.
- ★★★★★
Sun-dried tomatoes elevated the classic caprese beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Made for my family reunion—everyone asked for the recipe!
