BALSAMIC GARDEN CAPRESE
The Balsamic Garden Caprese is a timeless Italian dish that combines vibrant and garden-fresh ingredients into a perfectly balanced and visually striking meal. The sweet cherry tomatoes are paired with creamy mozzarella balls and aromatic basil leaves, enhanced by baby spinach for added greens. A drizzle of rich balsamic glaze provides a tangy-sweet finish that ties everything together. This Balsamic Garden Caprese is light, refreshing and full of flavour. This uncooked Balsamic Garden Caprese is ideal for lunches, appetisers or elegant picnic spreads. It’s easy to assemble and delivers a Mediterranean burst in every bite.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Appetisers
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Picnic, Spring, Cocktail Party, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Wedding, Easter
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy, Low Fat, Low/ No Sugar, Gluten-Free, Kid Friendly
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
The preparation of Balsamic Garden Caprese involves the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup baby spinach
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Sugars: 3 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Fibre: 2 grams
- Sodium: 160 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
PREPARATION
- Halve The Cherry Tomatoes: Rinse and slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Please place them in a bowl as the fresh base for your salad.
- Add Mozzarella And Greens: Gently mix in the mozzarella balls, fresh basil leaves and baby spinach to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Toss Lightly: Use clean hands or a soft spatula to combine the ingredients, being careful not to bruise the basil.
- Drizzle The Glaze: Pour 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze evenly over the salad for a rich and tangy accent.
- Assemble In A Jar Or On A Plate: For mason jar storage, layer tomatoes and mozzarella first, followed by the greens and drizzle glaze before sealing. For serving, plate it immediately and garnish with extra basil.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
None
TIPS
These tips enhance the quality of Balsamic Garden Caprese:
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Sweet and firm cherry tomatoes bring the best flavour and texture.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini or mini mozzarella pearls offer the creamiest bite.
- Layer Greens Last: When storing in a jar, keep spinach and basil on top to prevent wilting.
- Serve At Room Temperature: Let the salad sit out briefly before eating for maximum flavour release.
- Drizzle Just Before Serving: This helps maintain freshness and keeps the salad from getting soggy.
VARIATIONS
- For A Dairy-Free Option: Replace mozzarella with avocado chunks for creaminess without cheese.
- Make It Heartier: Add cooked quinoa, lentils or chickpeas to turn this into a more filling meal.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle sunflower seeds or crushed almonds over the top before serving.
- Include Fruit: Add sliced strawberries or peach wedges for a fruity Mediterranean twist.
- For Extra Protein: Top with grilled chicken or sliced prosciutto if not following a vegetarian diet.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 24 hours.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare in advance and refrigerate without the glaze, then drizzle before serving.
- Freezing Note: Not suitable for freezing due to high water content in tomatoes and fresh greens.
- Serving Tip: Toss gently or invert the mason jar onto a plate and allow the dressing to flow through.
- Storage Temperature: Keep chilled until just before serving, especially in warmer weather.