Name: Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad 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 nothing quite like the fresh burst of flavors in an Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad Recipe. The sweet tang of balsamic reduction paired with ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella makes every bite a mini celebration. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for any summer day or quick get-together.

The dish shows a white plate arranged with layers of red tomato slices and white mozzarella cheese slices in a circle, alternating and slightly overlapping. Bright green basil leaves are placed on top of and between the tomato and cheese layers. The whole arrangement is drizzled with dark balsamic glaze and some olive oil, and sprinkled lightly with black pepper. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a grey striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made Caprese salad countless times, but this version featuring a balsamic glaze always steals the show. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh that you can whip up in a flash — no fuss, just great flavor.

Simplicity: This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, making it an ideal easy go-to.
Freshness: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil is unbeatable.
Flavor Boost: The homemade balsamic reduction adds a rich, tangy sweetness you won’t find in a simple dressing.
Versatility: It works great as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal on its own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad Recipe plays a starring role. Choosing high-quality products here really makes all the difference. I always recommend fresh mozzarella and ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best taste.

Flat lay of three medium ripe red tomatoes sliced, a block of fresh white mozzarella cheese cut into slices, a small pile of vibrant green fresh basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy dark balsamic vinegar reduction, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Balsamic Vinegar: Look for a good quality balsamic; it’s the base of your reduction glaze and adds deep flavor.
Honey: Optional but helpful for balancing out tart balsamic vinegar depending on the brand.
Tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for juicy slices that hold up well.
Fresh Mozzarella: Soft and creamy, it complements the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Fresh Basil Leaves: The herbaceous notes are signature to Caprese and brighten the whole dish.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of good EVOO brings richness and roundness.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the fresh flavors.

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

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad Recipe is how you can easily tweak it to your taste or what’s in your fridge. I've played around with additions and found some combos that bring out everyone’s favorite flavors.

Variation: I love adding thin slices of creamy avocado for extra richness—it's a game changer on warmer days and adds a lovely texture.
Garlic Kick: Minced garlic tossed in with the olive oil brings a subtle depth of flavor if you want something a bit more savory.
Balsamic Glaze Swap: If you’re pressed for time, store-bought balsamic glaze works, though homemade always tastes fresher.
Omit Balsamic: For a lighter take, you can skip the glaze altogether and just drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt.

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

A shiny silver pot sits on a stove, filled with a bubbling dark brown liquid. The liquid has a glossy surface with bubbles of different sizes, and light reflections create soft shiny spots on top. The inner pot walls are smooth and silver, showing some steam marks. The scene is simple with the focus on the vibrant and rich dark brown liquid cooking inside the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create Your Balsamic Reduction

Start by whisking together balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat low. Let it bubble quietly until it’s thickened and reduced to about 2 tablespoons—usually around 8 to 11 minutes. Make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. This glaze is what sets this salad apart and gives it that luscious, sweet-tart punch.

Step 2: Let It Cool

Once your balsamic reduction is thick and shiny, pour it into a small bowl to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps it thicken up a bit more and makes drizzling easier later on.

Step 3: Layer Your Salad

On a rimmed serving platter, arrange alternating slices of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. I like to lovingly nestle fresh basil leaves in between the layers, giving each bite that fresh herb aroma. The key here is to keep the slices even so every bite gets a balance of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Drizzle and Season

Finally, drizzle your olive oil generously, followed by the balsamic reduction. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I often finish with a quick crack of pepper—there’s just something about freshly ground that lifts the whole salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.

Top Tip

From my experience cooking this Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad Recipe dozens of times, I've found that these small details make a huge difference for a successful salad.

Watch the Simmer: Don’t rush your balsamic reduction—keep it at a low simmer to prevent burning and bitterness.
Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife to get uniform slices of tomato and mozzarella so the salad looks as good as it tastes.
Layer Thoughtfully: Tuck basil leaves between layers carefully to release their aroma without bruising them.
Season at the End: Salt draws out moisture, so season just before serving to keep your salad vibrant, not soggy.

How to Serve Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this salad with an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt and some cracked black pepper. For a little color and crunch, a handful of toasted pine nuts works brilliantly. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I toss on a few microgreens or drizzle a touch more olive oil before serving—it adds a beautiful sheen and elevates the flavor.

Side Dishes

This Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a simple grilled chicken breast for a light meal. I’ve also served it alongside grilled shrimp or as a fresh contrast to richer pasta dishes. It’s the perfect palate cleanser whatever you’re cooking up.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try stacking your tomato and mozzarella slices to create a Caprese tower or arrange the slices in a circular pattern for a pretty, eye-catching platter. You can even serve it in individual cups layered like a parfait for parties—it’s a fun way to dress up this easy salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. The salad tastes best eaten within a day because fresh tomatoes and basil can wilt quickly. I recommend storing the balsamic reduction separately to keep it from soaking the mozzarella too much ahead of time.

Freezing

This salad really isn’t one to freeze since fresh tomatoes and basil lose their texture and flavor when thawed. If you want to save time later, make the balsamic reduction in advance and freeze that separately—it reheats well and adds that special touch when you’re ready.

Reheating

Because this salad is best served fresh, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you have leftover balsamic glaze, gently warm it on the stove or microwave before drizzling over fresh slices of mozzarella and tomato for a quick fresh salad assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the balsamic reduction ahead of time?

Absolutely! The balsamic reduction can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently bring it back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

What type of tomatoes work best for this salad?

Ripe, firm tomatoes like heirloom, Roma, or vine-ripened tomatoes are best. Avoid overly juicy or watery tomatoes as they can make the salad soggy.

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making my own?

Yes! Store-bought balsamic glaze works in a pinch, but making your own allows you to control the sweetness and texture, resulting in a fresher flavor.

How long does this salad stay fresh after making?

This salad is best eaten the day it’s made. Fresh tomatoes and basil can wilt and lose their texture if stored too long. If necessary, keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within 24 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Balsamic Caprese Salad Recipe feels like a fresh breeze on a plate: effortless yet full of thoughtful flavor. I always keep the ingredients handy because it’s comforting to know I can pull together something impressive in just 30 minutes. I’m convinced once you try it with the homemade balsamic reduction, you’ll have a new favorite go-to for warm evenings or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!