Close-up of sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella arranged on a ceramic plate with basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil, and a balsamic glaze drizzle on a wooden table.

Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze – Ready in 10 Minutes

by
Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Meet your new go-to. This easy Caprese salad with balsamic glaze comes together in 10 minutes. No stove. No fuss. Just ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and bright basil. Then a silky drizzle of balsamic glaze. So the sweet-tangy pop lifts every bite.

It’s an authentic Italian Caprese you can make anytime. Use peak tomatoes and room-temp cheese for the best flavor. Layer, season, and drizzle—done. Serve it as an appetizer, a side, or a light lunch. Because this no-cook summer salad is fast, fresh, and always crowd-pleasing. For search: think simple Caprese salad, fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad, and 10-minute Caprese.

If you are a salad lover, you may also like our:

Ingredients & Substitutions

Tomatoes

Choose ripe vine or heirloom tomatoes. They taste sweet and juicy, so your simple Caprese salad shines. Use cherry tomatoes for mini bites or skewers. Slice evenly and keep them at room temperature for the best flavor.

Mozzarella

Pick fresh cow’s milk mozzarella or mozzarella di bufala. Both give a creamy bite to your fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad. Pat the cheese dry, then slice it to match the tomato thickness. Let it sit out briefly so the flavor opens up.

Basil & Oil

Use large, fresh basil leaves. Tear them gently, since cutting can bruise them. Drizzle quality extra-virgin olive oil over the layers. The oil ties the tomatoes, basil, and cheese together in this easy Caprese salad.

Glaze & Seasoning

Finish with balsamic glaze or a quick reduction. The sweet-tangy note lifts the dish without hiding the fresh taste. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle the glaze lightly so the salad stays bright.

Swaps

Add avocado for extra creaminess. Lay everything on an arugula base if you want more greens. Use lactose-free mozzarella if needed. These swaps keep your Caprese salad with balsamic glaze fast, fresh, and crowd-friendly.

Step-by-Step: 10-Minute Method

Close-up of a chef slicing fresh mozzarella on a wooden board, with tomatoes and basil in the background, warm natural light.
Chef slices fresh mozzarella for a fast, fresh Caprese—just add tomatoes, basil, EVOO, and balsamic glaze.

Slice

Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into even ¼-inch rounds. Work gently, so the slices stay neat. This helps your fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad look clean and stack well.

Layer

Next, alternate tomato, mozzarella, and basil on a wide platter. Keep rows tight, yet easy to lift. Now you have the base of an easy Caprese salad.

Season

Then sprinkle salt first to draw a little tomato juice. Add freshly ground black pepper. The simple seasoning boosts flavor without hiding the fresh taste.

Drizzle

Now add a light stream of extra-virgin olive oil. Then zig-zag balsamic glaze over the top. This gives that classic sweet-tangy pop of a Caprese salad with balsamic glaze.

Finish

Finally, serve the salad at room temperature. The tomatoes taste sweeter, and the cheese feels creamier. Enjoy your 10-minute Caprese right away.

Balsamic Glaze: Store-Bought vs Homemade

Store-Bought

Grab a bottled balsamic glaze when you need speed. It tastes steady and saves time. However, read the label and pick one made from real balsamic vinegar, not caramel color or corn syrup. It keeps your Caprese salad with balsamic glaze quick and reliable.

Homemade

Make a homemade balsamic reduction when you want bold flavor. Pour balsamic vinegar into a small pan. Then simmer until it looks glossy and slow. You don’t need sugar. Finally, let it cool so it thickens a bit more.

Texture Target

Aim for a glaze that coats a spoon yet still flows. It should look silky, not sticky. If it turns too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water. So you keep a clean drizzle on your easy Caprese salad.

Flavor Balance

Use a light hand. The glaze should add a sweet-tart pop and lift the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Too much can hide fresh flavors. Therefore, taste as you go and adjust the drizzle.

Tip

Pour the glaze into a squeeze bottle. Then draw neat zig-zags or dots right before serving. This simple move gives your fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad a clean look and pro finish.

Pro Tips, Plating & Fixes

Room Temp

Let tomatoes and mozzarella sit out for 15 minutes. Warm ingredients taste sweeter and fuller. So your easy Caprese salad feels richer and more aromatic.

Moisture Control

Pat the mozzarella dry before you plate it. Extra moisture makes the dish watery. Then your fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad stays clean and glossy.

Salt Timing

Salt the tomatoes right before serving. This boosts flavor yet keeps the slices firm. Therefore, your Caprese salad with balsamic glaze stays juicy, not soggy.

Knife Work

Use a sharp serrated knife. It grips tomato skins and makes clean cuts. As a result, your rounds stack neatly for a pro look.

Presentation

Fan the slices or build neat concentric rings. Add basil between layers, then drizzle lightly. Finally, finish with a small zig-zag of glaze for that 10-minute Caprese restaurant finish.

Variations, Serving & Storage

Close-up of Caprese salad with creamy burrata (fresh mozzarella), ripe tomato slices, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze on a ceramic plate.
Creamy burrata, sun-ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil finished with EVOO and a balsamic drizzle—your 10-minute Caprese.

Variations

Try Burrata Caprese for extra cream. Or make Avocado Caprese for a richer bite. Peach Caprese adds sweet summer notes. For parties, thread Caprese skewers. Each twist keeps your easy Caprese salad fresh and fun.

Add-Ons

Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for crunch. Then add a light pesto drizzle for herb depth. Prosciutto works if you want a savory boost. Or set everything on an arugula bed. Your fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad stays bright and balanced.

Pairings

Serve with grilled chicken for protein. Add crusty bread to soak up juices. And pour sparkling water with lemon. Together, these sides turn your 10-minute Caprese into a simple meal.

Make-Ahead

Slice tomatoes and mozzarella early. Wash and dry the basil, too. However, assemble right before you eat. Then finish with EVOO and balsamic glaze. This timing protects flavor and texture.

Storage

Keep components separate for up to one day. Cover and chill the sliced cheese and tomatoes. Yet leave basil on the counter, loosely covered. Finally, do not refrigerate the assembled salad. It dulls the taste of your Caprese salad with balsamic glaze.

Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Close-up of Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, basil leaves, and a balsamic glaze drizzle on a wooden plate.

Easy Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

A no-cook easy Caprese salad with balsamic glaze ready in 10 minutes. Layer ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, then season, drizzle EVOO, and finish with a light balsamic glaze. Fresh, bright, and perfect as an appetizer or light lunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: brunch, dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 –4 ripe tomatoes sliced ¼ inch
  • 12 oz 340 g fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼ inch
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 –3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil EVOO
  • 2 –3 Tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
  • ½ tsp flaky sea salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Pat the mozzarella dry. Then slice the tomatoes and cheese evenly.
  2. On a platter, alternate tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
  3. Sprinkle salt first, then pepper.
  4. Drizzle EVOO. Then zig-zag the balsamic glaze.
  5. Serve at room temperature. Enjoy.

FAQs

1) What is Caprese salad?

It’s a simple Italian salad of tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and a light balsamic glaze. Fresh, fast, and no-cook.

2) Which tomatoes work best?

Use ripe vine or heirloom tomatoes. They taste sweet and hold shape. Cherry tomatoes also work for mini 10-minute Caprese bowls or skewers.

3) What mozzarella should I buy?

Pick fresh cow’s milk mozzarella or mozzarella di bufala. Slice at room temp for the best flavor and texture.

4) Do I need balsamic glaze?

No, but it adds a sweet-tart pop. Use a thin drizzle so the fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad still tastes bright.

5) How thick should I slice?

Cut tomatoes and mozzarella into even ¼-inch rounds. Even slices stack neatly and look clean.

Conclusion

Wrap it up with an easy Caprese salad with balsamic glaze. Fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and bright basil shine in every bite. Plate it in 10 minutes, then serve it fresh. So you enjoy a classic Italian salad any day. Make it tonight and share this fresh mozzarella tomato basil salad—simple, fast, and unforgettable.

For more recipes, try our:

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating