Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes bring bite-sized sweetness that perfectly complements the creaminess of mozzarella pearls in this Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes. Perfect as a light starter or side salad, this twist on the classic Caprese beautifully captures the essence of simple, fresh ingredients.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper!
Traditionally made with slices of ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil, Caprese salad embodies the vibrant flavors of summer. It gets a delightful makeover here when made with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
Cherry tomatoes, known for their sweetness, add a vibrant and playful variation to the traditional recipe. Their smaller size makes them perfect for bite-sized pieces, and they pair perfectly with the creamy mozzarella pearls and aromatic basil. The result is an easy, refreshing, and colorful salad that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Rather than a drizzle of lovely olive oil, this Caprese salad is dressed with the lush balsamic vinaigrette I use on my beet salad, which readers rave about.
This Caprese Salad recipe is:
- Super easy!
- Simply beautiful!
- The perfect summer side dish!
How to Make Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes:
Recipe Ingredients:
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this caprese salad recipe, along with how to prep the ingredients. The exact quantities are on the recipe card below.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Cherry Tomatoes: You can also use grape tomatoes or Campari tomatoes.
- Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: You may see these labeled as ciliegine, a variety of mozzarella pearls. It’s a small, soft ball of fresh cow’s milk mozzarella, roughly the size of a cherry. The name ciliegine comes from the Italian word for cherry. Bocconcini can also be used in this caprese salad recipe as they are similar in size and shape to cherry tomatoes.
- Basil: Fresh basil is a must in Caprese salad!
- Balsamic Vinegar: Use balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, and you’ll be in good shape. We love Kirkland!
- Olive Oil: Use good extra virgin olive oil. You can’t go wrong with Kirkland brand organic extra-virgin here.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard helps emulsify the vinaigrette, meaning it holds it together. Grey Poupon is always a good choice.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Gather and prep all the ingredients.
- Whisk the balsamic vinegar, oils, mustard, honey, and garlic in a small bowl. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil in a serving bowl or platter.
- Drizzle some dressing over the salad, serving the remainder on the side.
- That’s it! An easy, peasy, Caprese!
Chef Tip:
- Room temperature is key for the best caprese salad. Let the mozzarella pearls come to room temperature before serving, and never refrigerate tomatoes unless they’re cut. Cut tomatoes are perishable.
Money-Saving Tip:
- Using half canola oil in the vinaigrette for this caprese salad recipe with cherry tomatoes will help save you money, as extra-virgin olive oil is more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. One popular theory suggests that it was created as a tribute to the Italian flag.
Yes, to a point. You can make the vinaigrette 3-4 days ahead and refrigerate it. If you halve the cherry tomatoes ahead of time, you’ll need to refrigerate them as they then become perishable.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. You can keep the basil in the salad, but it will turn a darker color; however, it’s still edible.
- Let the leftover salad sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or so.
Serve with:
- Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak with Peperonata
- Parmesan and Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops
- Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Vegetables
- Mediterranean Fish and White Bean Skillet
More great tomato salad recipes you’ll love!
- Marinated Tomatoes
- Burrata Caprese Salad
- Tomato and Onion Salad
- Tuscan Cherry Tomato and White Bean Salad
Get all my side salad recipes at Side Salad Recipes – From A Chef’s Kitchen.
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
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Ingredients
Salad
- 1 package (8-ounce) fresh mozzarella pearls
- 4 cups (2 pints) cherry tomatoes - or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup small basil leaves - loosely packed
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup canola oil - or any neutral oil
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Instructions
Salad
- Combine the mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil in a serving bowl or platter.
Dressing
- Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, oils, mustard, honey, and garlic in a small bowl. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle some of the dressing over the salad, serving the remainder on the side.
These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
I am in love with your caprese salad recipe! There are many out there, but you explain the options for cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls, which is key for grocery shopping. Thank you for another beautiful and impressive recipe that disappeared at our event!
Hi, Traci, Thanks so very much and happy you enjoyed! We found this version of a Caprese truly delightful and simply pretty. Appreciate your taking the time to come back and comment and rate.