Balsamic Strawberry Caprese – Fresh & Flavorful Twist Recipe

I love how this Strawberry Caprese brightens my meal with juicy strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. With a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, each bite presents a playful mix of sweet and savory flavors. It truly excites me every time I plate it up.

I want to share my take on a dish that always surprises me with its flavors. My Balsamic Strawberry Caprese is a fun twist on the traditional Caprese salad.

I combine 1 lb of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, with 8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese and a handful of basil leaves. Then I drizzle over 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 3-4 tbsp balsamic glaze, adding salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

This dish is perfect when you’re in the mood for something light, but with a bold flavor punch. I love how the sweet strawberries mix with the savory mozzarella to create a dish that’s both refreshing and exciting You might even think of it when planning things to make for a potluck or a cool side dish for that cookout.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love how this recipe gives me an awesome mix of flavors. The sweet strawberries with the savory mozzarella make every bite interesting. I also like that it doesn’t take too long to prep so I can whip it up for friends or even just for myself. The fresh basil really makes it pop by adding a cool aroma and color, and drizzling the balsamic glaze on top gives it that extra tangy kick that I can’t get enough of.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: Packed with fiber and vitamins, they add a naturally sweet and tangy kick.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: Offers protein and calcium; it’s smooth and creamy for a luscious bite.
• Fresh basil leaves: Provides antioxidants and a burst of herbal flavor that lightens up the dish.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Rich in healthy fats, it enhances the meal with a subtle nutty taste.
• Balsamic glaze: Delivers a perfect balance of sweet and sour, intensifying every flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3-4 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Rinse the strawberries and remove the hulls then slice them into even pieces.

2. Slice the fresh mozzarella into similar sized rounds as the strawberries.

3. Wash the basil leaves and pat dry.

4. On a large serving plate, start by alternating between a slice of strawberry and a slice of mozzarella.

5. Tuck a fresh basil leaf next to each pair of strawberry and mozzarella slices.

6. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged slices.

7. Next, drizzle 3 to 4 tablespoons of balsamic glaze generously all around the plate.

8. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the dish to enhance the flavors.

9. Add a few grinds of fresh ground black pepper on top.

10. Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes so all the flavors mix in a bit then serve and enjoy your fresh twist on Caprese.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander for rinsing the strawberries and basil
2. Cutting board to slice the strawberries and mozzarella
3. Sharp knife for hulling and slicing
4. Large serving plate for arranging the dish
5. Measuring spoons for the olive oil and balsamic glaze
6. Paper towels to pat dry the basil leaves
7. Pepper mill for fresh ground black pepper

FAQ

Balsamic Strawberry Caprese – Fresh & Flavorful Twist Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If strawberries arent available, you could try raspberries or blueberries for a similar sweet tang
• If you cant find fresh mozzarella, burrata or a mild goat cheese works pretty well and adds a creamier twist
• Not a fan of basil? Mint or arugula can bring a new flavor that pairs nicely with the fruit
• Extra virgin olive oil can be swapped out with avocado oil if you’re looking for a slightly nuttier taste
• If you’re out of balsamic glaze, try simmering balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey to thicken it up at home

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the dish sit for a couple minutes after drizzling the oil and glaze so the flavors get a chance to meld together a bit; it makes a huge difference in taste.
2. When adding the olive oil and balsamic glaze, start with a little then add more if needed because sometimes too much can overpower the delicate flavors of the strawberries and cheese.
3. Use the freshest basil you can find because that freshness really lifts the flavors of the dish; if your basil isn’t super fresh, the whole look and taste of the plate can suffer.
4. Don’t forget to season gradually with salt and pepper, tasting as you go; everyone’s palate is different so it’s best to adjust the seasonings slowly to get that perfect balanced bite.