Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
This Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Salad, a light and colorful take on the traditional Caprese salad, has luscious strawberries, cherry tomatoes, Feta Cheese, and aromatic basil, all of which are topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce. Ideal as a summer salad, side dish, or light snack!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh Feta Cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or left whole
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp honey (for extra sweetness)
Optional: ¼ cup toasted nuts (like walnuts or pecans) for crunch
Instructions:
In a large bowl or serving plate, arrange the sliced strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and Feta Cheese.
Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
If using, drizzle with a little honey for extra sweetness and sprinkle with toasted nuts for added texture.
Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet-savory delight!
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a side salad for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a refreshing appetizer.
Add a handful of arugula or spinach for extra greens.
Balsamic Strawberry Caprese Salad Tips & Variations
Tips for the Best Salad:
Use Ripe, Sweet Strawberries – The sweeter the strawberries, the better the balance of flavors. If they’re slightly tart, add a drizzle of honey.
Go for Fresh Feta Cheese or burrata makes the salad extra rich.
Use High-Quality Balsamic Glaze – A thick, aged balsamic or balsamic reduction enhances the sweet-savory contrast.
Don’t Skip the Basil – Fresh basil ties the flavors together and adds a refreshing aroma.
Serve Immediately – This salad tastes best fresh; letting it sit too long may cause the strawberries to release too much juice.
Variations to Try:
Balsamic Peach Caprese – Swap strawberries for sliced peaches for a summery twist.
Spicy Honey Drizzle – Mix honey with a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
Crunchy Nutty Twist – Add candied pecans, toasted almonds, or pine nuts for extra texture.
Creamy Avocado Caprese – Toss in sliced avocado for a creamy, buttery element.
Greens & Grains Version – Serve over arugula, spinach, or quinoa for a heartier salad.
Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~180-220 kcal Protein: ~8-10g Fat: ~12-15g Saturated Fat: ~5-7g Carbohydrates: ~12-15g Sugars: ~9-12g (from strawberries & balsamic glaze) Fiber: ~2-3g Sodium: ~200-300mg (varies based on Feta Cheese and seasoning)
In Conclusion:
A delicious blend of sweet, acidic, and creamy tastes, the balsamic strawberry caprese salad is a novel take on a traditional favorite. This salad’s striking hues and understated yet sophisticated components make it ideal for light, healthful meals, warm-weather get-togethers, and fast snacks. Every bite of this meal, whether it is eaten as an accompaniment or by itself, combines decadence with freshness. Try it and watch as this savory-sweet blend becomes a new table favorite!