Strawberry Caprese Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
135 kcal
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Cuisine
Italian-American Fussion
Strawberry Caprese Salad
Description
The Strawberry Caprese Salad features ripe strawberries, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella pearls, diced avocado treated with lime juice to maintain freshness, and torn basil leaves. The balsamic vinegar is cooked down to a syrupy reduction, enhancing its sweetness and acidity which complements the fruit and cheese. Mixing these chilled ingredients gently preserves their texture.
The salad offers a contrast of flavors and textures: the juicy strawberries and tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and avocado, and bright herbal notes from basil. Black pepper and salt season it subtly, while a drizzle of balsamic reduction provides glossy tang. Optional roasted almonds add crunch and a touch of honeyed flavor.
Serve the salad immediately after tossing to keep avocado fresh and maintain texture. The balsamic reduction can be made up to 24 hours ahead and kept at room temperature covered, allowing for convenient preparation. This salad combines refreshing and rich elements that make it suitable as a light starter or side dish during warmer seasons.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar good quality
- 1 cup mozzarella extra mini, pearls
- 1 cup cherry tomato halved
- 1 cup strawberries ripe, hulled and halved
- 1 large avocado semi-ripe, diced and sprinkled with lime juice
- ½ cup basil torn to small pieces, leaves
- salt to taste, kosher salt and freshly cracked
- black pepper to taste, kosher salt and freshly cracked
- almonds chopped or slivered, optional; honey roasted
Instructions
For the Balsamic Reduction
- In a small saucepan, add the balsamic vinegar and bring to a boil. Boil and stir 3-4 minutes or just until liquid is reduced by about half; should be thick and syrup-like.
- Transfer reduction to a small bowl and let cool to room temp.
For the Salad
- Hull strawberries and slice in half, halve cherry tomatoes, and dice avocado. Squeeze fresh lime juice over avocado cubes to keep fresh.
- When ready to serve, add all ingredients (except balsamic reduction) to a large platter or bowl, folding very gently with rubber spatula.
- Add kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with almonds if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Prepare the balsamic reduction up to a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature.
- Slice the avocado last, then immediately sprinkle with lime juice to prevent browning.
- Use chilled ingredients and serve the salad immediately after tossing to maintain freshness and texture.
- For extra crunch, garnish with honey-roasted slivered almonds or garlic rosemary roasted cashews.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 135kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 126mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 289mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 405IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 23mg | 26% |
| Calcium | 112mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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