Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

This classic Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is a delightful combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, all drizzled with a sweet balsamic reduction. This simple, yet elegant side dish is a favorite of mine, perfect for showcasing the vibrant colors and flavors of summer. Once you try it, you'll find it hard to resist this refreshing salad time and time again.

When ripe, fresh tomatoes are in season, it's like a foodie paradise for me. They’re delicious with just a sprinkle of sea salt, but there are so many great ways to enjoy them. Caprese salad has always been a favorite—simple, tasty, and perfect for letting the tomato’s flavor shine. Plus I can get all the basic ingredients at my local grocery store.

I love making tomato mozzarella salad in various ways, but this recipe is my go-to for its simplicity and deliciousness. Fresh, local tomatoes, especially heirloom tomatoes, make it truly special. And don’t forget to pick up some creamy fresh mozzarella; it pairs perfectly with the juicy tomatoes. Fresh sweet basil from my garden adds the finishing touch, and it’s so easy to grow—even on a container on the porch.

What is Balsamic Glaze?

I also love adding balsamic glaze to this salad. It’s a sweet, thick version of balsamic vinegar that adds a delightful tartness. Balsamic reduction is made by reducing balsamic vinegar until it becomes syrupy and rich, intensifying its natural sweetness and tang.

I’ve started using it on everything because it enhances so many dishes. Forget ketchup—balsamic glaze is fantastic on sandwiches, roasted veggies, salads, chicken, and fish. I can't get enough of it and always pick up a few affordable bottles at Trader Joe’s or my local grocery store.

Ingredients

• Ripe Tomatoes –  Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the star of the traditional caprese salad. Their juicy, tangy flavor is essential and the slices of tomatoes should be similar in thickness and fit in a single layer on a serving platter. 
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese – Mozzarella has a creamy, mild flavor that complements the tomatoes perfectly. It should be sliced into rounds to mirror the tomatoes and create a visually appealing and tasty combination.
• Fresh Basil – Basil brings a fragrant, slightly peppery taste to the salad. Chopping the basil leaves releases their essential oils and flavor, adding a fresh herbal note that contrasts other flavors nicely.
• Olive Oil - Just a drizzle of olive oil goes a long way. In this easy caprese salad, I like to splurge with a good quality extra virgin olive oil. 
• Balsamic Glaze – This is a sweet, thickened version of balsamic vinegar. You can buy premade balsamic glaze or make it yourself.
• Salt – Just a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt will bring out the best in this salad. (You can also add a touch of black pepper for a mild kick.)

How To Make Caprese Salad:

1. Begin by slicing the ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese into even rounds.
2. Arrange on a plate, alternating each tomato slice with a slice of mozzarella cheese.
3. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
4. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze evenly over the arranged the salad and season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Tips for Making Tomato Mozzarella Salad

• Opt for fresh, ripe tomatoes, high-quality mozzarella, and good-quality balsamic glaze. The quality of the ingredients makes a big difference in flavor.
• Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds for an attractive presentation.
• For the best taste, use chilled mozzarella and tomatoes. This enhances the freshness and makes the salad more refreshing.
• Add the chopped basil just before serving to prevent it from wilting or turning brown.
• Season with salt just before serving to avoid drawing out too much moisture from the tomatoes.
• Drizzle the balsamic glaze right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Variations

• Add Avocado – Include slices of ripe avocado for a creamy texture and extra richness.
• Add Red Onion – Thinly slice red onion and layer it with the tomatoes and mozzarella for a bit of sharpness.
• Add Olive Oil – Complement the balsamic glaze with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and richness.
• Top with Pine Nuts –Toasted pine nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
• Sprinkle with Crumbled Feta – For a tangy addition, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
• Use Flavored Balsamic Vinegar – Try flavored balsamic vinegars, such as raspberry or fig, to give the salad a unique twist.

Storage

Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, keep the components separate. Store the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the chopped basil and balsamic glaze in separate containers to prevent the basil from wilting and the glaze from soaking into the cheese and tomatoes. When ready to serve, assemble the salad and drizzle with the balsamic glaze just before eating to maintain the freshest flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

For a light meal, this fresh caprese salad is great next to Lemon Dill Roasted Salmon or this baked chicken breast recipe.  I also like to serve it with pan grilled shrimp. And sometimes in the summer when I want a no-cook meal, it goes well with a few slices of crusty bread. The possibilities are endless for and here are some other entrees I love to serve this perfect summer salad with: 

• Perfect Grilled Steak
• Healthier Shrimp Scampi
• Baked Breaded Eggplant Parmesan Rounds
• Italian Grilled Chicken from To Simply Inspire

More Summer Tomato Recipes

• Tomato Pesto Caprese Bites
• Three Cheese Tomato Basil Pie
• Jersey Tomato Sandwich
• Heirloom Tomato and Chickpea Salad
• Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

So go ahead and get some fresh local tomatoes and basil. Make this delicious salad!

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RECIPE

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