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

caprese salad ingredients on round wood board

โ€‹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 donโ€™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. Theyโ€™re sweet, easy to prep, and perfect for this caprese salad. Paired with fresh mozzarella and basil, itโ€™s a simple and delicious dish thatโ€™s just right for warm weather meals.

caprese salad ingredients

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.
caprese salad with olive oil lime dressing

Ingredient Notes + Variations

  • Most traditional caprese salad recipes call for some sort of balsamic vinegar dressing. Even though I have tried, I just donโ€™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.ย 
  • 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.
caprese salad with cherry tomatoes

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. 
fresh caprese salad

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 donโ€™t have cherry tomatoes for this fresh salad.
  • Chiffonade the fresh basil leaves first and then chop. That way you wonโ€™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.
cherry tomatoes in colander with basil

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. Theyโ€™re easy to make ahead, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you want something a little extra special.

ingredients for caprese salad on round wood board blue plaid towel

FAQ’s

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,ย salt, and pepper.

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caprese salad ingredients on round wood board

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
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 5 servings
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Ingredients
 

  • 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 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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If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!

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8 Comments

  1. Jeannette says:

    So very sorry for your loss Ann. Take care

  2. Keena Butler says:

    Anne, so extremely sorry for the loss of your father. He raised a wonderful daughter!

  3. I’m so sorry for the loss of your father.
    Isaiah 40:31

    I lost my dad 20 years ago, and I miss him everyday. I’m very blessed to still have my mother who’s 96, and I know each day is a blessing and a gift to cherish.

  4. I am extremely close to my 95yr old Dad as well. He has been so lonely since the death of my Mom 3 yrs ago. I cherish every day yet prepare for the end.
    May God hold you in the palm of His hand as you find your way through.

  5. Prayers for you in the loss of your dear father. After the loss of both parents one feels orphaned. ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™

  6. Sending prayers and hugs to you.

  7. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself, Ann. Your recipes are always tasty and easy to put together. I’m sorry for your loss. May memories of your time with your dad crystalize into comforting thoughts to bring you peace.

  8. This salad sounds terrific!! I did not know that you could buy mozzarella in little pearls. Thank you. Happy 4th.