Name: Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 1/2 tsp honey (optional); 3 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/3-inch slices (about 20 oz.); 16 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/3-inch slices; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

There’s something so refreshing about the classic Italian flavors in a salad that feels both simple and elegant. This Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want a quick, stunning side that impresses without fuss. Plus, the balsamic glaze adds that perfect touch of sweet tanginess you didn’t know you needed.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is a breath of fresh air when you want something light but bursting with flavor. It’s so easy to put together, and the balsamic reduction makes a surprisingly big impact. Whenever I whip this up for friends, they always ask for the recipe — it’s that good!

Quick and Simple: You can make this whole salad in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Flavor Explosion: Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sweet basil come alive with that glossy balsamic glaze drizzle.
Customizable: You can tweak it easily — add avocado or garlic if you’re feeling adventurous.
Visually Appealing: It’s practically a centerpiece with those vibrant reds, whites, and greens.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe plays a starring role. The key is to use fresh, high-quality produce—especially the tomatoes and mozzarella—because their flavors really shine without much seasoning.

Balsamic vinegar: When reduced, it turns into a sweet, tangy glaze that brightens every bite. Picking a good quality balsamic will make all the difference.
Honey: A little sweetness can balance the tartness of vinegar; you can adjust or skip it based on your taste.
Tomatoes (medium): Fresh, ripe tomatoes add juiciness and acidity—look for ones that feel heavy for their size.
Fresh mozzarella: Creamy texture that melts in your mouth, making the salad luscious and satisfying.
Fresh basil leaves: The aromatic freshness of basil is an absolute classic pairing with mozzarella and tomato.
Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzled on top, it lends a fruity richness that complements the other ingredients.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential to draw out flavors and balance the salad’s seasoning.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the fun parts about this Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge.

Variation: Sometimes I add creamy avocado slices for extra richness, which everyone seems to love. It adds a buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the basil and mozzarella.
Garlic kick: Adding a bit of minced garlic into the olive oil drizzle gives the salad a savory boost if you're into bolder flavors.
Dairy-free option: Swap out the mozzarella for grilled eggplant or tofu to make it vegan-friendly without losing the essence of the dish.
Simplicity: Feel free to skip the balsamic glaze if you prefer a lighter bite or if you’re short on time – the olive oil and basil make it delicious on their own too.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Make the balsamic glaze⁠—the magic touch

Start by combining the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and whisk until the mixture begins to simmer. Then reduce to low and let it gently bubble down until thick and syrupy—about 8 to 11 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn; you want it reduced to roughly 2 tablespoons. Pour it into a small bowl and let it cool while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Slice and layer like an artist

Slice your tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into consistent ⅓-inch rounds. I like using a sharp knife for clean, beautiful slices. On a rimmed serving plate, arrange them by alternating tomato slice, mozzarella slice, and fresh basil leaves. It’s so satisfying to build it like this—almost like edible art!

Step 3: Drizzle, season, and enjoy

Drizzle the olive oil liberally over the layered salad, then spoon over your gorgeous balsamic glaze. Finally, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. It’s best served right away, so the basil stays bright and the mozzarella retains its fresh texture.

Top Tip

From making this salad countless times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really help it shine every time.

Use ripe, firm tomatoes: They should be juicy but not mushy to hold their shape and flavor.
Don’t skip chilling the glaze: Letting it cool thickens the texture and intensifies the flavor for that perfect contrast.
Slicing matters: Even, thin slices ensure every bite gets a balanced ratio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Season progressively: Taste before seasoning—it’s easy to add salt but impossible to take it away.

How to Serve Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a few whole basil sprigs or a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving — it perks up the look and the taste. Sometimes a few toasted pine nuts add an extra crunch that's delightful.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with crusty bread or a warm garlic focaccia to soak up every drop of that luscious balsamic glaze. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish when you want a light but satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes layer the salad in individual glass jars or small bowls, especially for outdoor gatherings. It makes it feel personal and elegant. Another idea is stacking the layers vertically on skewers for a caprese kabob twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The tomatoes will release some water, so give the salad a gentle drain and fresh seasoning before serving again. The mozzarella and basil are best eaten as fresh as possible but still quite tasty chilled.

Freezing

This Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe doesn’t freeze well, mainly because fresh tomatoes and mozzarella lose their texture and become watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Reheating

Since it’s a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary — but if you want to enhance the flavor of the balsamic glaze, warming it gently before drizzling adds a lovely aroma and richer taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of vinegar instead of balsamic for this salad?

Balsamic vinegar is key for the classic sweet and tangy flavor in this salad. Other vinegars, like red wine or apple cider, won’t provide the same depth or sweetness, but you could experiment if you adjust the honey accordingly.

How do I make sure the balsamic glaze doesn’t burn?

Keep the heat at medium-low once it’s simmering and stir occasionally. The glaze reduces slowly, so patience is important. If it starts smoking or smells bitter, it’s likely burning and should be removed immediately.

What if I can’t find fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella is best for this salad because of its soft texture and delicate flavor. If it’s unavailable, try burrata or a mild mozzarella ball packed in water. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella — it won’t have the same creaminess and can alter the experience.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the balsamic glaze and slice the ingredients ahead, but I recommend assembling it shortly before serving to keep the basil fresh and tomatoes from releasing too much liquid. If needed, layer and cover tightly up to 1 hour before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes I love sharing because it’s simple yet feels special. Whether you're making it for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, it always brings a smile and a little Italian sunshine to the table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how such a straightforward salad can steal the show every time.