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–+ servings
An oval white plate holds a salad of red and yellow cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves, and a light dressing.
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5 from 1 vote

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

🍅🌿 Simple caprese salad that combines cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant fresh basil with olive oil and balsamic glaze for the perfect summer salad! This easy side salad is refreshing, satisfying, ready in under 10 minutes, and you can use your favorite kind of tomatoes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Salad, Sides, Salads & Vegetables, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian, Sides
Keyword: caprese salad with cherry tomatoes, cherry tomato caprese salad
Servings: 4
Calories: 192cal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes halved if desired (grape tomatoes, or other tomatoes including vine-ripened, roma, heirloom, etc. may be diced and used)
  • 1 ½ cups bocconcini or ciliegine small mozzarella balls, drained (or use diced mozzarella from a larger ball or piece)
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves torn or chiffondad; or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or to toaste
  • 1 tablespoon capers drained (omit if you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze drizzled; or to taste (I recommend balsamic glaze because it's thicker and slightly sweetened; but balsamic vinegar may be substituted)

Instructions

  • To a large bowl, add all the ingredients (except balsamic), and stir or toss lightly to combine and coat evenly.
    Sliced red and yellow cherry tomatoes on a wooden cutting board with a knife, two bowls of whole tomatoes, and a bowl of fresh basil leaves.
  • To taste, drizzle with the balsamic. Taste and add any additional salt, pepper, more basil, extra oil, etc. if desired. Tip - If you have other veggies like cucumbers or zucchini to use, you can add them as desired.
    A glass bowl containing mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, capers, chopped parsley, and ground black pepper.
  • Optionally, cover and *chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving, or serve immediately.
    A glass bowl filled with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh herbs, with a spoon for mixing. A bowl of pepper and a cup of balsamic vinegar are nearby.
  • Tip - I would not make this in advance and *chill for longer than up to 1 hour because the salt will cause the tomatoes to release their juice and the salad will get watery. Plus, the basil will oxidize.
    A white oval plate with a colorful salad of halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, surrounded by ingredients on a light rustic surface.

Notes

Storage: Salad is best fresh because the salt (and the salty capers if using) will cause the tomatoes to release their juices and the salad will be more watery. Plus, basil will oxidize as time passes. However, leftovers may be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 24-72 hours. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 192cal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 676mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 713IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg
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