Cherry tomatoes Caprese salad with balsamic glaze is the perfect mix of simple and elegant—colorful, vibrant, and full of sweet, tangy flavors. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a rich balsamic drizzle come together in flawless harmony.
It’s quick to make but fancy enough to impress—what’s not to love?
Did you know the origin of the Caprese salad recipe (it’s pronounced kuh-pray-zay, by the way) traces back to Capri, that dreamy Italian island?
The history of Caprese salad says it was created as a simple nod to the Italian flag with its bold red, white, and green colors —pretty genius, right? It’s been around since the 20th century, proving you don’t need to overthink things to make something amazing.
The idea of making this recipe came to me after creating my Beet Watermelon Salad with Fresh Basil, and it pairs well with this amazing Honey Mustard Salmon or an easy Baked Mediterranean Cod.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Let’s break down the ingredients for cherry tomato Caprese salad with balsamic glaze—because every star deserves its moment:
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy little bursts of sweetness that make every bite pop. Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor variety! Swap with grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or even sliced Roma tomatoes for a different texture and flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and totally indulgent. Those little mozzarella balls? Adorable and delicious. Use burrata for extra creaminess or cubed fresh feta for a tangy twist.
- Basil Leaves: The herb MVP. Tear the basil leaves by hand instead of chopping them to avoid bruising and keep them looking fresh. Try arugula or fresh parsley if basil isn’t available—they add a unique, fresh flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Sweet, tangy, and silky—it’s basically the fancy bow that ties everything together. If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey over low heat for a quick DIY version.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Simple, but don’t underestimate them—they bring out the best in every other ingredient. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly cracked pepper for the best results. Avocado oil works well for a lighter alternative, or go bold with infused oils like garlic or lemon.
Together, these make a salad that’s elegant, fresh, and seriously irresistible!
See the recipe card for quantities.
What Kind of Tomatoes Are Good for Caprese?
When it comes to Caprese salad, the tomatoes are the star, so you’ll want the freshest and juiciest ones you can find! Cherry tomatoes are a classic choice—they’re sweet, bite-sized, and perfect for keeping things simple. If you’re looking for something a bit more rustic, heirloom tomatoes are a gorgeous option.
For a firmer texture, Roma tomatoes or even vine-ripened tomatoes work beautifully. Whatever variety you choose, the key is ripeness—if the tomatoes don’t taste amazing on their own, they won’t shine in your Caprese.
Pro tip: In-season is always best, so hit up your local farmer’s market for the ultimate flavor!
Instructions
In just a few easy steps, you’ve got a salad that looks fancy but feels like a breeze to make.
- Step 1: Halve the cherry tomatoes, drain the mozzarella balls, and tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces.
- Step 2: Add everything to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and gently toss.
What to Serve with Caprese Salad? This tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad is the ultimate team player—it pairs beautifully with just about anything!
Roasted Veggies: Think asparagus, zucchini, or whatever’s in season—they’re like salad’s best sidekick.
Crusty Bread or Focaccia: Because mopping up that balsamic glaze is non-negotiable.
Grilled Chicken or Fish: A simple, light protein to turn this into a full meal.
Pasta Dishes: Something like pesto or spaghetti aglio e olio keeps the Italian vibes going strong.
Charcuterie Board: Add some prosciutto, salami, or extra mozzarella for a match made in heaven.
Hint: for the freshest flavor, assemble your salad just before serving. Keep the tomatoes and mozzarella at room temperature for about 15 minutes beforehand—it makes all the difference in bringing out their natural sweetness and creaminess!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix things up, Caprese salad welcomes a little creativity.
Avocado: Add creamy, buttery slices to make the salad even richer—plus, it pairs perfectly with balsamic glaze.
Cucumber: Fresh, crisp, and totally refreshing. It’s the crunch your Caprese never knew it needed.
Quinoa: Want to turn this into a full-on meal? Add some quinoa for a nutty, hearty twist that still feels light.
Arugula: A handful of arugula brings a bold, peppery vibe. It’s like the salad decided to get fancy.
Spinach: For a milder green, spinach sneaks in extra nutrition without stealing the show.
Equipment
Cutting Board and Knife: For slicing those juicy tomatoes like a pro.
Serving Bowl or Plate: Because presentation matters, right?
Spoon or Tongs: To give it a gentle toss without squishing the mozzarella.
Storage
In the Fridge: Keep it fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Pro tip: Add the balsamic glaze right before serving again to keep it from getting soggy.
In the Freezer: Sorry, but Caprese and freezers don’t mix! Tomatoes and mozzarella don’t love being frozen—they’ll lose their texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the ingredients separately—slice the tomatoes, tear the basil, and keep the mozzarella ready—but wait to combine everything until just before serving. That way, it’s as fresh as can be!
Top Tip
Rub a garlic clove on the serving plate before adding your ingredients. It’s a sneaky way to infuse a hint of garlicky goodness without overpowering the fresh flavors. Simple, but it makes a big difference!
If you are looking for more Italian or salad recipes, check out my other favorites:
- Fresh and Easy Burrata Panzanella Salad
- The Perfect Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Comforting Italian Broccoli Soup with Parmesan Cheese
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Quinoa
FAQ
Not in its traditional form—it’s all about that fresh mozzarella, which is definitely not dairy-free. But you can make it vegan-friendly by swapping the mozzarella for a plant-based version like almond or cashew cheese.
One cup of cherry tomatoes has about 25–30 calories. They’re low in calories, high in flavor, and packed with vitamins like C and A—basically, the perfect little salad heroes!
In 1 cup (150g), cherry tomatoes offer 25–30 calories, 6g of carbs, 2g of fiber, and 1g of protein. They’re rich in vitamins C and A, boosting immunity and eye health, and packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health. Small but mighty!
Yes! Cherry tomatoes are low in calories, high in vitamins C and A, and packed with heart-healthy lycopene. Nutritious, flavorful, and guilt-free!
It’s as simple as it gets—just olive oil, a little balsamic glaze, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Fresh, easy, perfect!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Perfect Cherry Tomatoes Caprese Salad
Learn how to make a vibrant cherry tomato Caprese salad with balsamic glaze—simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor in every bite!
- Prep Time: 3
- Cook Time: 3
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (whole or chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Halve the cherry tomatoes, drain the mozzarella balls, and rinse the basil leaves.
- Assemble the Salad: In a serving dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the top.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Toss gently and serve as a side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Use the freshest, ripest cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. A mix of colors adds extra visual appeal!
- Mozzarella: Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance its creamy texture.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle just before serving to keep the salad fresh and avoid sogginess.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread or grilled chicken for a complete meal!
- This recipe makes 4 servings as a side dish or 2 servings as a light main course. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo!
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 83
- Sugar: 2.4 g
- Sodium: 143.9 mg
- Fat: 4.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 6.6 g
- Cholesterol: 3.4 mg
EllaXO says
Made this for lunch, and wow, so simple but so good! Definitely making it again!