Having a farm share combined with living super close to a bunch of you-pick produce farms has really upped my lunch game. I have been obsessed lately with coming up with fun salads, so I can focus on eating fresh local foods (one of my yearly goals)! With berry season ramping up, I’ve been loving this summer strawberry caprese salad.
There is just something about adding sweet, dark, local strawberries to the already super fresh caprese salad. They are already a staple to pair with basil or balsamic vinegar, so why not? It takes this classic salad and elevates it with an element of fun!
The key here is that you have the best possible ingredients to build your salad. Make this when strawberries and tomatoes are in season (that’s right now in Upstate NY, but may be earlier or later where you live). If you can keep plants alive, there is a huge difference between freshly cut basil and store bought. Trust me.
Use high quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Freshly crack the black pepper. If you have access to a local dairy, you can even find some fresh, locally made mozzarella cheese.
This salad will still be delicious if you buy everything from the grocery store, but it’s truly designed to highlight the early summer produce. Source locally when you can to take it from great to excellent!
Strawberry Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Mixed Greens (dark and leafy greens work best)
- 1/3 cup Strawberries hulled and halved if large
- 1/3 cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes halved
- 2 oz Mozzarella Cheese torn into 1 inch pieces
- 5-6 Basil Leaves
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions
- Add the greens to a large bowl, and topped with the strawberries, tomatoes, cheese, and basil.
- Add the oil and vinegar, and toss using a spoon and fork until well coated. Crack some black pepper on top, and serve immediately.
GIRL I have been dying to find a recipe like this! I love caprese, especially with balsamic dressing… but I never thought of an ACTUAL SALAD! This is so cool and smart! I love this!
I fully believe you can turn almost anything into a salad! I agree that caprese with balsamic is the best. Thanks!
Caprese is my favorite and it’s even better with strawberries! They have a salad like this at Panera but it had wayyy too much balsamic. Definitely better to make your own like this!
Yes, the best part about making your own salads in controlling the dressing! I like a lot of balsamic, since I enjoy a well-dressed salad, but you could easily cut it down.
I’m literally drooling. This sounds like the most ideal meal to me. I love anything caprese, and I love salads with strawberries on them! So good!
Haha thanks! It is such a great combination, and I’ve been eating it for weeks. The strawberries really just add that extra summer brightness.
Literally NOTHING beats this – it’s the most refreshing summertime salad!!!
Coming Up Roses
Agreed! I am obsessed with the flavor combination. Glad you love it!
I never would have thought to add strawberries to a caprese salad, but this sounds delicious! It’s the perfect summertime salad.
Thank you! They strawberries really do add a complementary sweetness to the whole thing, and summer when everything is in season is the best time to enjoy it!
I’m a huge fan of caprese salad. Adding strawberries to it makes it such a delightful, colorful and enjoyable salad. Would love to try it out when I can get some fresh mozzarella.
Thank you! Caprese salad is one of my favorites as well, and the strawberries really add a fun freshness to the flavors. I hope you love it!