Caprese Salad Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

Fresh, simple, and full of flavor, this caprese salad recipe with cherry tomatoes is the perfect side dish for summer meals.

​Some things really are worth waiting for…like spring after a long winter, or the first long days of summer. Fresh herbs growing just outside the back door. And especially homegrown tomatoes. They don’t last long, but their short season makes them even more special. I love tomatoes of any kind, but cherry tomatoes are one of my favorites. They’re sweet, easy to prep, and perfect for this caprese salad. Paired with fresh mozzarella and basil, it’s a simple and delicious dish that’s just right for warm weather meals.

Why This Recipe Works

• Fresh and vibrant flavors: The combination of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and lime olive oil dressing creates a combination of flavors that are bright, tangy, and refreshing.
• Healthy choice: Caprese salad with fresh cherry tomatoes is a nutritious and light option, packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
• Easy to prepare: This salad requires minimal ingredients and no cooking, making it a quick and convenient dish to whip up for any occasion.
• Versatile dish: Caprese salad can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course when paired with grilled chicken or fish.
• Seasonal ingredients: Cherry tomatoes and whole basil leaves are at their peak during the summer months, making this salad an ideal choice for warm-weather gatherings and outdoor dining.

Ingredient Notes + Variations

• Most traditional caprese salad recipes call for some sort of balsamic vinegar dressing. Even though I have tried, I just don’t like balsamic vinegar. So for this recipe I used the classic combination of olive oil and citrus. The tang of the lime paired with the creamy mozzarella and tomatoes is the perfect combination.
• One delicious variation you can try is adding sliced avocado to your main ingredients in this Caprese salad. The creamy texture and mild flavor of the avocado complement the tangy cherry tomatoes and the rich mozzarella cheese beautifully to create the perfect salad. 
• For a more protein-rich and hearty alternative, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to make the best Caprese salad that’s more filling. Marinate the protein of your choice in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and some chopped basil before grilling to ensure that it complements the flavors of the salad. You can either serve the grilled protein on top of the salad or mix it in with the other ingredients. This addition transforms the Caprese salad into a complete meal.

How To Make

• Combine olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk thoroughly.
• In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls. 
• Sprinkle chopped basil over top.
• Toss the olive oil mixture thoroughly with the tomatoes + mozzarella, and taste before adding more salt and black pepper, adjusting as needed. 
• Serve immediately. 

Helpful Tips

• For best results, make sure to use fresh mozzarella cheese. The bagged shredded stuff or mozzarella slices are just not the same.
• Definitely substitute regular diced tomatoes if you don’t have cherry tomatoes for this fresh salad.
• Chiffonade the fresh basil leaves first and then chop. That way you won’t be crunching down on a big piece of basil.
• This simple salad can be served in a large bowl, or for a pretty presentation, it can be placed on a serving platter. Make sure to garnish these fresh tomatoes with sweet basil. 
• You can freeze basil in olive oil and use it to make this salad anytime. Just thaw out enough cubes to equal 1/4 cup of olive oil.
• Serve this Caprese salad with grilled honey mustard chicken for the perfect summer meal.

Caprese Skewers

This simple caprese salad can easily be turned into a fun and portable appetizer by making caprese skewers. Just thread a cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf, and a small mozzarella ball onto a wooden skewer or large toothpick. Arrange the skewers on a platter, and drizzle them with olive oil and lime dressing right before serving. They’re easy to make ahead, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you want something a little extra special.

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FAQ’s

WHAT TYPE OF MOZZARELLA SHOULD I USE?

It’s best to use fresh mozzarella. I love mozzarella pearls or small mozzarella balls. Diced fresh mozzarella is delicious as well. 

CAN I MAKE CAPRESE SALAD AHEAD OF TIME?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the freshness and prevent the basil leaves from wilting.

HOW LONG CAN CAPRESE SALAD BE STORED IN THE REFRIGERATOR?

Ideally, Caprese salad should be consumed on the same day it is prepared. However, if necessary, you can store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. The olive oil dressing will harden. Simply let it come to room temperature before serving.

CAN I USE REGULAR TOMATOES INSTEAD OF CHERRY TOMATOES?

Yes, you can use any type of ripe tomatoes in your Caprese salad such as grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or fresh heirloom tomatoes. Just make sure to chop small pieces, as large pieces don’t work as well. Remove excess seeds and liquid to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF BASIL IF IT’S NOT AVAILABLE?

If fresh basil is not available, you can use fresh mint, fresh arugula, or a mix of both as an alternative. These herbs have different flavors, but still add a refreshing touch to the salad.

WHAT OTHER DRESSINGS CAN I USE?

Apart from lime olive oil dressing, you can try balsamic dressing or a balsamic reduction, honey mustard vinaigrette, or even a simple combination of extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

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• blue colander
• Pyrex bowl
• navy blue utensils
• mini whisk
• round wood board
• wood skewers (many different lengths)
• my favorite kitchen towel set

Caprese Salad Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

5 from 2 votes

Fresh, simple, and full of flavor, this caprese salad recipe made with cherry tomatoes is the perfect side dish for summer meals.

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Servings 5 servings

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Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 10 oz. cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ▢ 8 oz. fresh mozzarella pearls
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lime juice (juice from one fresh lime)
• ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• ▢ 8 large basil leaves (chopped)

Instructions

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine olive oil, lime juice, salt & pepper. Whisk well.
• Put cherry tomato halves & mozzarella pearls in a bowl. Sprinkle with chopped basil.
• Add olive oil mixture and toss well. Adjust with more salt & pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately or will last in refrigerator (covered) for a day or so.

Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts

Caprese Salad Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

Amount per Serving

Calories

243

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

21

g

32

%

Cholesterol

 

36

mg

12

%

Sodium

 

524

mg

23

%

Potassium

 

165

mg

5

%

Carbohydrates

 

4

g

1

%

Fiber

 

0.4

g

2

%

Sugar

 

2

g

2

%

Protein

 

11

g

22

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Author: Ann Drake

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