Strawberry Caprese with Balsamic

This strawberry caprese salad transforms the classic Italian dish by swapping tomatoes for sweet, juicy strawberries. The combination creates a refreshing balance of sweet and savory flavors perfect for spring and summer entertaining.

I first served this at a Mother's Day brunch and watched as guests returned for seconds and thirds. The unexpected pairing of strawberries with mozzarella always sparks delightful conversation around my table.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: Select bright red berries with a sweet fragrance for the best flavor
• Fresh mozzarella balls: Look for milky white color and soft texture that indicates freshness
• Fresh basil leaves: Choose vibrant green leaves without any brown spots or wilting
• Balsamic glaze: Provides concentrated sweetness and acidity that ties everything together
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a high quality oil with fruity notes to complement the berries
• Salt and pepper: Enhances all flavors and adds subtle complexity
• Optional honey: Adds extra sweetness if your strawberries aren't perfectly ripe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries:

Wash strawberries thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Remove the green hulls using a small paring knife or strawberry huller. Slice each berry into thin, even rounds about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness allows them to stand up to the weight of the mozzarella while ensuring each bite has the perfect ratio of ingredients.

Prep the Mozzarella:

If using larger bocconcini balls, slice them into uniform rounds that match the size of your strawberry slices. For smaller ciliegine balls, simply drain them well and pat dry with paper towels. Bringing the cheese to room temperature for about 20 minutes before assembly allows its creamy flavor to fully develop.

Arrange Your Masterpiece:

On a large serving platter or individual plates, begin creating your visual masterpiece. Alternate strawberry slices with mozzarella in a circular pattern or straight rows. For maximum visual impact, slightly overlap each piece. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the strawberry and cheese pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the arrangement.

Add the Finishing Touches:

Drizzle the balsamic glaze in thin streams across the arranged ingredients, using a back and forth motion for even distribution. Follow with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using honey, drizzle it sparingly over the strawberries for added sweetness.

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The first time I made this recipe, I was skeptical about combining strawberries with cheese and basil. But that first bite convinced me completely. The berry sweetness against the creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic created a flavor harmony I never expected.

Making Your Own Balsamic Glaze

Store bought balsamic glaze works perfectly in this recipe, but making your own is surprisingly simple. Pour 1 cup of good quality balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it slowly reduce, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Cool completely before using. Homemade glaze offers a more complex flavor profile and lets you control the sweetness level.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant salad makes a stunning addition to any summer menu. Serve it as a starter before grilled chicken or fish, or present it as part of a larger antipasto spread alongside olives, cured meats, and crusty bread. For an elegant dinner party, serve individual portions on small plates as a palate refreshing first course. On warm days, pair it with a crisp glass of Prosecco or rosé wine to enhance the fresh flavors.

Seasonal Variations

While summer strawberries provide the best flavor, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully to other seasons. In late summer, substitute ripe peach slices for a delicious variation. Fall brings the opportunity to use thinly sliced pears with a drizzle of honey. During winter months when fresh berries are less available, try using roasted beets for an earthier version of this salad. The essential elements remain the same: something sweet, the creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and that beautiful balsamic finish.

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This salad is as delightful to eat as it is beautiful on the plate. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make balsamic glaze at home instead of buying it?

Yes! To make homemade balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Cool completely before using.

→ How far in advance can I prepare this dish?

The Strawberry Caprese is best assembled within 30 minutes of serving. You can prep all ingredients separately up to 4 hours ahead and keep refrigerated, then assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?

Good alternatives include burrata for extra creaminess, feta for a tangier flavor, or dairy-free mozzarella alternatives for a vegan version. Each will provide a different but complementary taste profile.

→ What's the best way to serve this dish?

Serve on a wide, flat platter to showcase the beautiful arrangement. A white or neutral-colored platter makes the colors pop. Consider serving with crostini or crusty bread to soak up the delicious balsamic and olive oil.

→ Can I add other ingredients to this Strawberry Caprese?

Absolutely! Consider adding avocado slices for creaminess, toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for texture. You could also incorporate other berries like blueberries or blackberries for variety.