Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Glaze
A fresh, easy-to-make Caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a homemade sweet balsamic glaze that adds a luscious, syrupy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (small-curd or burrata-style), sliced or torn
- 15–20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- Salt to taste (preferably flaky sea salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Pour ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey. Stir gently to combine. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by about half and becomes thick and syrupy (10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Slice the tomatoes into roughly ¼-inch (6 mm) thick rounds. Slice or tear the mozzarella into pieces similar in size to the tomato slices.
- Arrange the salad on a serving platter by alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella, slightly overlapping them. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers evenly.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad. Then drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze generously but carefully.
- Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add crushed red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts if desired.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the flavors fully.
Notes
Keep glaze and salad components separate if prepping ahead to prevent sogginess. Stir glaze gently while reducing to avoid burning. Use ripe but firm tomatoes for best texture. Serve salad at room temperature for optimal flavor. Optional additions include crushed red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Caprese salad, balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, tomato salad, easy summer salad, homemade balsamic glaze, fresh basil, healthy salad