Name: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz baby mozzarella balls, halved; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze); 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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This cherry tomato Caprese salad is one of my favorite quick and fresh recipes. With juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tied together with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it’s the perfect way to celebrate summer flavors in just minutes.

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and it always feels so fresh and satisfying. I enjoy making it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a quick snack when I want something wholesome but still full of flavor. I also like how easily I can adapt it with different tomatoes or herbs, depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

baby mozzarella balls
cherry tomatoes
fresh basil leaves
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Directions

I start by washing and halving the cherry tomatoes.
I cut the baby mozzarella balls in half.
For the basil, I like to roll the leaves together and slice them into thin ribbons.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
I drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture.
Finally, I season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss gently before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes only 10 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute dish for busy days.

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by using grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or even slicing a large ball of mozzarella instead of using minis. Fresh oregano or cilantro works as a substitute if I don’t have basil on hand. When I want a slightly sweeter finish, I like to use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar.

Storage/Reheating

I find this salad tastes best when eaten immediately after it’s made. However, if I need to store it, I keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To keep the flavors fresh for meal prep, I usually wait to add the olive oil and balsamic until just before serving.

FAQs

What kind of cherry tomatoes work best for Caprese salad?

I prefer using the freshest, ripest cherry tomatoes I can find, especially from the farmers market. Sweet, juicy varieties bring out the best flavor in this salad.

What’s the difference between cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes are round and usually juicier, while grape tomatoes are smaller, more oval-shaped, and a bit firmer. I use either one depending on what’s available.

Can I make Caprese salad in advance?

I like to prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I combine everything and add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar?

Yes, I often use balsamic glaze for a slightly sweeter and thicker drizzle—it gives the salad a richer flavor.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

I think it works well for meal prep if I store the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil together and keep the dressing separate until I’m ready to eat.

Conclusion

This cherry tomato Caprese salad is one of those simple recipes I keep coming back to all summer long. I love how it highlights fresh seasonal produce, comes together in minutes, and can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or light meal. Whenever I want something fresh, easy, and delicious, this is the recipe I turn to.