Strawberry Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe
This vibrant Strawberry Caprese Salad combines sweet strawberries and cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella pearls and ripe avocado, all tossed in fresh basil and a tangy homemade balsamic reduction. The salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic Caprese, perfect for a quick, elegant appetizer or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Balsamic Reduction
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (good quality)
Salad
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (extra mini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup strawberries (ripe, hulled and halved)
- 1 large avocado (semi-ripe, diced and sprinkled with lime juice)
- 1/2 cup basil leaves (torn to small pieces)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: honey roasted almonds (chopped or slivered)
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, pour the balsamic vinegar and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil and stir for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces by about half and becomes thick and syrup-like.
- Cool the Reduction: Transfer the balsamic reduction to a small bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Hull and halve the strawberries, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the avocado. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the avocado cubes to prevent browning and keep them fresh.
- Toss the Salad: When ready to serve, add mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes, strawberries, diced avocado, and torn basil leaves to a large platter or bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together with a rubber spatula to combine without breaking the fruit or cheese.
- Season and Garnish: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Drizzle the salad with the cooled balsamic reduction, then optionally sprinkle chopped or slivered honey roasted almonds over the top for added texture and sweetness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures at their best.
Notes
- Use good quality balsamic vinegar for a rich, flavorful reduction.
- The balsamic reduction can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Warm slightly before serving if it solidifies.
- To keep the avocado fresh and avoid browning, toss with lime juice immediately after dicing.
- Honey roasted almonds add a delightful crunch and sweetness but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Serve immediately after assembling to prevent the salad ingredients from becoming soggy.
