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
- Remove stems from strawberries and cut into quarters.
- Drain fresh mozzarella; combine strawberries and mozzarella in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add chopped basil.
- 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
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
- Combine strawberries, mozzarella, and basil in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a small container with a lid, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and pepper. Shake well.
- Pour dressing over salad ingredients and mix to combine.
Catalina says
What a great flavor combo! Such a fabulous side dish idea!
Allyson Zea says
This salad is so fresh for summer, I love it!
Addy says
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!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
My favorite summer lunch!! This looks ahhmaazing!!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
YUM!!! I love this delicious version!!!
Mary says
Do you have the balsamic dressing recipe that you would share? This looks amazing!
Shannon Graham says
What a gorgeous salad for summer! Of course, I would eat this any time of the year.
Beth Pierce says
Such a light and refreshing salad for summer! I’ll be enjoying this all season long!
Darina says
This is super cute… I love it! Pinning!
Annette@CuteLittleDarling.com says
Thank you, Cathy, for this interesting idea! I can’t stop looking at these wonderful photos! This salad sounds fantastic and I definitely need to try this the nearest time. Pinning!
GMX Posteingang says
sounds fantastic and I definitely need to try this the nearest time. Pinning!