Strawberry Caprese Salad With Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe

Get ready to dive into a bowl of summer perfection with my Strawberry, Tomato, and Mozzarella Salad, where juicy bursts of fruit meet creamy mozzarella and a dreamy balsamic dressing—because who said you can’t have it all in one bite?

I enjoy making rejuvenating meals, and my Strawberry Caprese Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing is an invigorating blend of sweet and savory. I use fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.

These are combined with a creamy balsamic dressing with Greek yogurt and honey. It’s a fantastically vibrant, healthy dish!

Ingredients

• Fresh Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C; adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Good source of antioxidants; provides slight acidity and juiciness.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Offers creamy texture; contains protein and calcium.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Enhances aroma; provides refreshing bite and healthful nutrients.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and rich; offers depth of flavor with minimal calories.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy consistency; boosts protein and probiotics.
• Honey: Natural sweetener; balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, drained
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the two kinds of fruit. The first kind is strawberries, which you should cut in half before adding them to the bowl. The second kind is cherry tomatoes. They, too, go in whole. And then get ready to mix.

2. Introduce the bowl to the fresh mozzarella balls.

3. Softly mix in the ripped basil leaves.

4. In another bowl, combine and mix well the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, regular Greek yogurt, and honey. I use a whisk.

5. Mix the dressing well after adding the minced garlic.

6. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Drizzle the creamy balsamic dressing over the strawberry, tomato, and mozzarella mixture.

8. Lightly mix all components in a manner ensuring that they are evenly dressed with the sauce. The result should be a salad that does not look or feel clumpy, but instead has unison in both taste and texture.

9. Place the salad onto a serving platter or bowl.

10. If desired, you can add more fresh basil leaves for garnish and serve the dish right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Platter or serving bowl

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?Indeed, you are able to swap out fresh mozzarella with feta or even goat cheese, resulting in a different flavor profile.
• How long does the salad last once prepared?The best way to enjoy the salad is fresh. However, it can be kept in the refrigerator for as long as 24 hours before being consumed.
• Is it possible to make the dressing ahead of time?Without a doubt, the creamy balsamic dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for as long as a week.
• Can I replace the Greek yogurt with another ingredient?Greek yogurt can be switched with sour cream in the dressing, or it can be left out entirely for a lighter, non-creamy version.
• What can I serve alongside this salad?This salad goes well with either grilled chicken or toasted bread, making it a light and refreshing dinner choice.
• Is there a preferred type of balsamic vinegar?Select a balsamic vinegar that is of high quality: it makes a dramatic difference in flavor when you’re talking about balsamic vinaigrette. “I love to use a really good one,” says Johnson. “I often use an aged balsamic vinegar so that I get all those caramelized flavors that are quite rich and delicious.”
• Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the salad?The already vegetarian salad allows for even more variety and texture when you toss in some extra ingredients, like nuts or an avocado.

Strawberry Caprese Salad With Creamy Balsamic Dressing Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use raspberries or sliced fresh peaches as a different fruity twist.
Grape tomatoes or diced heirloom tomatoes can be used in place of cherry tomatoes.
Unaged mozzarella balls: Substitute sliced mozzarella or burrata for a creamier consistency. Use in pasta salad, Caprese salad, or on grilled pizza; add it to anything that could use a little of its creamy flavor.
Basil in its freshest form: Substitute fresh mint leaves or arugula for a unique flavor twist.
Classic Greek yogurt: For a paste-like consistency, you can mix sour cream or crème fraîche with regular yogurt. Use these in equal amounts to approximate Greek yogurt.

Using sour cream or crème fraîche in this way will yield a creamy product. If you want to get the effect of Greek yogurt without the tart taste, you can mix your standby of regular yogurt

Pro Tips

1. For optimal flavor, allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes after adding the dressing. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

2. Toast some pine nuts or almonds and sprinkle them on top of the salad before serving for added texture and a nutty flavor.

3. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the dressing to brighten the flavors and enhance the freshness of the strawberries and tomatoes.

4. Make sure the mozzarella balls are thoroughly drained and patted dry before adding to the salad to avoid excess moisture which can dilute the dressing.

5. For a deeper flavor, try using aged balsamic vinegar in the dressing, which will have a richer and sweeter profile compared to regular balsamic.