Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Introduction

If you’re on the hunt for a light, flavorful, and insanely easy side dish, this cherry tomato Caprese salad is a summer staple you’ll want on repeat! Bursting with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this salad is everything fresh and satisfying. I first made this on a whim for a weekend brunch with friends—everyone loved it so much they requested the recipe on the spot! With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a breeze to whip up in just 10 minutes.

Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or scooping it up with crusty bread, this one’s going to be a hit. It also makes a perfect addition to your picnic basket or potluck lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes with zero cooking involved.
• Perfect for Entertaining: It looks beautiful and pairs well with so many main dishes.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses minimal ingredients that are easily accessible.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors only get better as it sits for a bit.

Taste & Texture

Expect juicy bursts of cherry tomatoes, the soft chew of creamy mozzarella, and the brightness of torn basil. A drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic vinegar brings it all together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and perfectly balanced.

Dietary Attributes

This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. It can also be made keto-friendly by using a balsamic reduction with no added sugar or omitting vinegar entirely.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 3 cups), halved
• 8 ounces small mozzarella balls (Pearl or Bocconcini)
• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces
• 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Notes on Quality

Fresh cherry tomatoes make a big difference here—look for ripe, sweet ones that feel firm but juicy. For the mozzarella, pearls are cute and easy to mix in, but bocconcini cut into smaller pieces also works great. Always use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, and don’t skip the fresh basil.

Possible Substitutions

• Mozzarella: Swap with diced fresh mozzarella if you can’t find the smaller balls. Vegan mozzarella alternatives also work if you’re dairy-free.
• Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes can be used in place of cherry, or try heirloom baby tomatoes for a colorful twist.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Replace with balsamic glaze for a thicker, sweeter touch, or try red wine vinegar for something sharper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the ingredients: Halve your cherry tomatoes and drain your mozzarella balls. Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces.
2. Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.
3. Dress it: Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with sea salt and ground black pepper.
4. Toss gently: Stir everything gently to coat, being careful not to crush the mozzarella or basil.
5. Let sit or serve: You can serve it right away, or let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors marry together even more.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Tear the basil instead of cutting it to prevent bruising and keep its flavor bold.
• Use room temperature mozzarella and tomatoes for the best flavor punch—cold ingredients tend to mute taste.

Common Mistakes

• Overmixing: Stir just until combined so your ingredients keep their shape and texture.
• Using low-quality vinegar: Cheap balsamic can overpower the salad or make it too acidic. Go for one that’s aged and slightly sweet.

Time-Saving Tips

• Pre-halve your tomatoes and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling.
• Use pre-marinated mozzarella balls for added flavor without the extra step.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This cherry tomato Caprese salad goes beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or shrimp. It also pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes or as a topping for toasted baguette slices.

If you’re planning a summer spread, consider serving it alongside other fresh favorites like this Beet Garden Salad with Goat Cheese or the vibrant Tomato Feta Salad.

Presentation Ideas

Serve it in a shallow white dish or wooden salad bowl to let the colors pop. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves or a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze for that restaurant-worthy touch.

Beverage Pairings

This salad shines with light wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with lemon or a homemade iced green tea with mint.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad will become more marinated over time, which can be even more delicious—but the basil may darken, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Methods

No reheating needed here—this salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based mozzarella alternative or omit the cheese entirely and enjoy a tomato-basil salad.

What if I don’t like balsamic vinegar?
Try using lemon juice or red wine vinegar for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This salad scales up beautifully for a crowd.

Troubleshooting

My salad is watery. What happened?
Tomatoes naturally release juice when salted. To reduce wateriness, drain some of the tomato juice before mixing or let it sit in a strainer for a few minutes.

The mozzarella tastes bland—how can I fix it?
Add a pinch more salt and a drizzle of olive oil, or use marinated mozzarella for more flavor.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Vegan: Use dairy-free mozzarella or simply omit the cheese.
• Low Carb/Keto: Skip or reduce the balsamic vinegar, or use a sugar-free balsamic reduction.

Flavor Twists

• Add sliced avocado for a creamy twist.
• Toss in some pine nuts or toasted almonds for crunch.
• Use a splash of pesto instead of balsamic for a richer herb-forward flavor.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

In summer, use heirloom cherry tomatoes for a burst of color. For holidays, add pomegranate seeds or roasted red pepper strips to make it festive and bright.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about the combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. This cherry tomato Caprese salad is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony—and the fact that it’s so easy to make? Total bonus. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below. And if you gave it your own twist, definitely share that too!

Looking for more fresh salad inspiration? Check out my Quinoa Apple Salad for a fruity, crunchy alternative or browse my full collection of salad recipes on Pinterest.

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