Easy Caprese Salad Recipe – Made With Cherry Tomatoes

One of the best ways to use fresh picked cherry tomatoes in the middle of summer is by making this Easy Caprese Salad recipe. It is a cool and refreshing salad or side dish that is prepared in minutes.

Juicy and flavorful cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and shreds of basil tossed together and then drizzled with a simple dressing. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

It is a popular dish to serve or take to backyard cookouts, picnics and those summer holiday gatherings as the cool salad

Easy Caprese Salad Recipe With Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients Required

Cherry tomatoes – Any type of cherry or grape tomatoes will work. In summer, you can easily find them in various colors at your local farmer’s market or grocery store.

Extra virgin olive oil – This is the time to use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil since it’s part of the dressing. A good bottle makes a difference.

Here are some tips for picking a good extra virgin olive oil:

• Choose one that’s grown, pressed, and packaged in a single country. Labels that say “product of…” only mean it was packaged there.
• Look for cold-pressed oil, meaning the olives weren’t heat-treated.
• Check the pressed-on or sell-by date and make sure it’s less than a year old. Buy in smaller quantities because it can go bad.

Balsamic vinegar – Like the oil, use a high-quality balsamic vinegar. For a good and affordable option, look for the initials IGP on the label at your grocery store.

Salt – Use coarse salt for better flavor and texture. Pink Himalayan salt is a favorite for this recipe.

Fresh coarse ground black pepper – Adds great texture and flavor.

Dried oregano – Not typical in Caprese salad, but it adds a delicious layer of flavor.

Basil – Only use fresh basil. You can buy it at farmer’s markets or grocery stores if you don’t grow your own.

Small mozzarella balls – Find fresh mozzarella balls in the specialty cheese section, usually in a container with liquid.

Balsamic reduction glaze – You can purchase it in the condiment section at the grocery or if you prefer you can make your own homemade version. It takes minutes to prepare and you can do it while you prepare the other ingredients (recipe below).

How To Make Easy Caprese Salad

Prepare the cherry tomatoes: Wash them and remove the stems. Slice them in half lengthwise. If they’re large, cut them into quarters to expose more surface area for absorbing flavors.

Combine ingredients: Add the sliced tomatoes to a large bowl. Then add drained mozzarella balls and freshly chopped basil. Cut the basil into smaller sections for easier eating.

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

Mix the salad: Pour the dressing over the tomato, mozzarella, and basil mixture. Then toss to combine. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Drizzle with balsamic reduction glaze before serving.

Homemade Balsamic Reduction Glaze Recipe

Combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 3 tablespoons honey in a small saucepan and then stir until well combined.

Heat over medium until it starts to bubble. Reduce to medium-low and simmer until it’s reduced by half.

Let it cool before drizzling over the salad to avoid scalding the tomatoes or basil.

Easy Caprese Salad Recipe With Cherry Tomatoes

* Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to read the entire article for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup basil, chopped
• 1 cup small mozzarella balls

For Serving
Balsamic reduction

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl add the sliced cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and freshly chopped basil. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the dressing.

In a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and dried oregano until well incorporated.

Pour the dressing over the tomato and Mozzarella and then toss to combine. Refrigerate the salad for at a minimum of 15 minutes.

Once you are ready to serve taste and then add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with balsamic reduction if desired.

To Make A Balsamic Reduction:

• Add 1/2 cup Balsamic vinegar and 3 Tablespoons honey to a small sauce pan. Heat on medium heat until it begins to bubble.

• Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer until the mixture is reduce by half. Let the mixture cool and then drizzle over the Caprese salad.

*If you are looking for another great way to serve Caprese Salad, be sure to see our recipe: Heart Shape Caprese Skewers. They are the perfect small appetizer to share with your loved one.

ENJOY!

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