Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe – Perfect for Light Dinners, Appetizers & Summer Meals!

Introduction

Caprese salad is a timeless Italian dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Lina Vexley’s fresh Caprese salad combines ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, making it the perfect appetizer, side dish, or light dinner during the warmer months. Simple yet flavorful, this salad is ideal for those looking for a healthy, refreshing meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner or enjoying a quick meal, this Caprese salad is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and deliciously fresh taste.

This Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe is a simple yet elegant choice for light dinners, appetizers, or a refreshing summer meal. With ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s the perfect balance of flavors. Try it this week and savor a classic salad that’s both light and satisfying!

Fresh Caprese Salad

This fresh Caprese salad features ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, creating a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer dinners and appetizers.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 ball fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze for drizzling
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil.
  • Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Toss gently to combine the ingredients, and serve immediately.

Notes

This Caprese salad can be made ahead by prepping the ingredients and storing them separately until serving. For an extra flavor boost, you can add a drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 12gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Appetizer, Caprese, Light Dinner, Summer
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How to Make the Recipe

Start by halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the fresh mozzarella into rounds, and chopping the fresh basil into small pieces. Place all of these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer, light dinner, or side dish. For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

This fresh Caprese salad is the perfect embodiment of summer’s simplicity and flavor. The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze is light yet satisfying, making it ideal for quick meals, appetizers, or as part of a larger dinner. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any table, and it can be customized with extras like Parmesan or even a drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar for added richness. Fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, this Caprese salad will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!