Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad with mozzarella balls is hands down one of the most deliciously simple salads and often a seasonal favorite. And why not? Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil can be grown and pulled fresh from a home garden, making this a homemade salad that can truly be homemade!

And once mozzarella is added and its all drizzled with a perfect balsamic glaze dressing, the entire thing comes together with ease.

Why you will love this Classic Salad

The beautiful part of a Caprese salad is that all traditional and classic flavors pair well with chicken (Great to turn this into a dinner salad) or changing up the cheese with crumbles of blue cheese, goat cheese, or fresh avocado. While many people love fresh salads as a side dish for BBQ and holidays, tomatoes and mozzarella go with EVERYTHING.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes are relatively similar in that, in a pinch, grape tomatoes are an acceptable substitute.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Mozzarella balls, also called Mozzarella pearls, are a great choice. You can cut down the pearls into smaller pieces if preferred, which can help with the cost of fresh mozzarella.
• Fresh basil – Do not use dried basil for this dish. Fresh basil is an absolute must. I grow my own.
• Honey Balsamic vinegar – See below on how we make this with only 2 ingredients
• Seasonings like fresh cracked pepper and kosher salt.

Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

I just wrapped up a great article sharing all of my favorite top 50 summer cookout sides, and this fresh tomato salad made the list. With only 10 minutes needed, plump ripe cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil is not only easy prep but a well known summer side dish must have.

This is one of those salads when lunch time rolls around and you are wondering what to eat, comes together quickly. And you don’t really sacrifice on flavor. The combination all the work for you.

How to Make Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

1. Make the honey balsamic dressing: Add the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Whisk together both ingredients well.
2. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to a serving dish or bowl.
3. Add mozzarella cheese: I like to use mozzarella cheese balls. You can cut the cheese into halves or even quarter them if you want smaller bites and the cheese to go further. I left them whole because it looks prettier/more contrast of large and small and white.
4. Combine: Combine Balsamic Honey drizzle and prepped cherry tomato and mozzarella salad. Mix all ingredients well until tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are covered with honey balsamic vinaigrette. Sprinkle the entire salad with sliced fresh slices of basil; before serving, season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and more watery than grape ones. Still, grape tomatoes tend to last longer in the fridge and are sometimes more accessible at the grocery store. At the end of the day, that choice is absolutely yours.

When I’m looking to get this appetizer on the table even faster, I use mozzarella balls, otherwise known as pearls, – no slicing necessary. However, if you’re looking to add a boost of flavor to your salad, you can get that more in logs or slices. Another tip is to try smoked mozzarella – not only is the color a nice touch, but the additional flavor from the smoked cheese also adds something new and tasty.

Expert Tips

• This salad contains a 2 ingredient dressing that is pretty good at balancing the flavors, but you can also choose simply use a balsamic vinegar reduction that is homemade or purchase a pre-made glaze.
• I love adding everything bagel seasoning to tomato based dishes. You can see an example in my everything but the bagel salad recipe. It’s just so good!
• To mix up the dish, try it with a bit of basil pesto stirred in, a drizzle of olive oil, or simply eat as is.
• Turn this side salad into a main dish salad by adding cooked chicken.

How to serve Caprese Salad

Tomatoes and mozzarella are universally loved and can be sat on the side for nearly any meal. While naturally it feels normal to serve with Italian dishes like pasta heavy baked mostaccioli or Italian meatloaf, its just as good on the side of chicken or pork.

Related Caprese Salad Recipes

• Caprese Ladybugs is the perfect summertime appetizer tray! Turn mozzarella, tomatoes, and olives into adorable little ladybugs. No need for talent; this one is EASY.
• Homemade Caprese Pizza is as delicious as it is beautiful with heirloom tomatoes.
• If you are looking for a simple summer dinner, this Caprese Sliders Recipe is done in mere minutes with ALL the flavor.

10 Incredible Caprese Recipe Ideas

Strawberry Caprese Salad (With Fresh Avocado)

Peach Caprese Skewers

Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad