Published: June 12, 2019 Modified: July 6, 2026 by Cathy Trochelman 11 Comments

Strawberry Caprese Salad

Clock icon 15 minutes

This Strawberry Caprese Salad combines sweet, juicy strawberries with fresh mozzarella, chopped basil, and a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for summer picnics, cookouts, or parties… and a delicious way to take advantage of fresh strawberry season!

When it comes to favorite summer foods, caprese salad is always at the top of my list. There’s something about the combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil that gets me every time. It’s exactly how summer should taste.

And. One of my favorite things about it? It’s SO versatile. Not only can you add different ingredients to the classic combo to jazz things up, but you can also swap out the tomatoes for just about anything. Like blueberries, peaches, or… in the case of this salad… strawberries!

Because as much as I love the tomato/basil/mozzarella combo…I have to admit there’s something about the sweetness of strawberries (or any fruit, for that matter) that’s seriously delicious. And puts a whole new twist on caprese!

This Strawberry Caprese Salad is the perfect side dish for summer cookouts, picnics, or dinners with friends. And it can easily be turned into main dish by adding chicken, shrimp, or any protein of your choice!

what you’ll need for this recipe

  • Fresh strawberries
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Pepper

can you use a balsamic reduction?

Yes! Caprese Salad is often made with a balsamic reduction that is drizzled over the top of the ingredients. I decided to make a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette instead, since making a vinaigrette is easier than making or finding a reduction and also does a better job coating the ingredients. If you prefer a balsamic reduction you can feel free to substitute.

how to make strawberry caprese salad

  1. Remove stems from strawberries and cut into quarters.
  2. Drain fresh mozzarella; combine strawberries and mozzarella in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Add chopped basil.
  4. Mix ingredients for vinaigrette and drizzle over salad.

types of mozzarella

Caprese Salad is made with fresh mozzarella, and there are a number of different varieties. (For this recipe I used Ciliegine Fresh Mozzarella Balls.)

  • Sliced Mozzarella Logs
  • Ovoline Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Egg size ball packed in water.
  • Bocconcini Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Bite size ball packed in water.
  • Ciliegine Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Cherry size ball packed in water.
  • Perlini Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Pearl size ball packed in water.
  • Fresh Mozzarella Logs

make-ahead & storage tips

This recipe is easy to make in advance. Simply combine the fresh mozzarella, quartered strawberries, and chopped basil in a container with a lid. Mix the vinaigrette separately and store both in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Before serving, drizzle the salad with the dressing and mix to combine. Leftovers will last up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

More Delicious Caprese Recipes

Looking for more delicious twist on caprese? These are some of our favorites!

Strawberry Caprese Salad

This Strawberry Caprese Salad combines sweet, juicy strawberries with fresh mozzarella, chopped basil, and a simple honey balsamic vinaigrette. It's perfect for summer picnics, cookouts, or parties… and a delicious way to take advantage of fresh strawberry season!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 211kcal
Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries quartered
  • 16 ounces fresh mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine strawberries, mozzarella, and basil in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. In a small container with a lid, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and pepper. Shake well.
  3. Pour dressing over salad ingredients and mix to combine.

Notes

This recipe is easy to make in advance. Simply combine the fresh mozzarella, quartered strawberries, and chopped basil in a container with a lid. Mix the vinaigrette separately and store both in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Before serving, drizzle the salad with the dressing and mix to combine. Leftovers will last up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 467IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 1mg

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11 Comments

    1. I looked up weird flavor combinations that taste good, and strawberries and balsamic vinegar was one of them! So I found this recipe and I’m thinking of doing chicken nuggets for the side. Cause then you have meat as well. So yeah! I thought this was a great Idea and a good one to do with kids to!