Name: Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced, torn, or cut into bite-sized pieces; 1½ pounds ripe tomatoes, sliced, or cut into bite-sized pieces; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves; Flaky salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

If you adore fresh, vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly, then this Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine ripe, juicy tomatoes paired with creamy, soft mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and all elevated by a luscious, sweet yet tangy balsamic reduction that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a classic Italian salad that’s simple but bursting with flavor, perfect for warm afternoons or as a stunning starter at any meal. This salad is just as delightful to make as it is to eat, with every bite offering a harmonious mix of textures and tastes that feel like summer on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white oval plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of sliced red and green tomatoes arranged in a loose, overlapping pattern. Between the tomato slices, there are small white rounds of mozzarella cheese scattered evenly across the plate. Dark brown balsamic glaze is drizzled over the top in thin streams, adding shine and contrast. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered throughout, adding a bright touch. Small red cherry tomatoes and coarse salt crystals are visible around the edges of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For a dish this stunning, you don’t need a lot — just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that really do all the heavy lifting. Each piece brings a unique touch, from the creaminess of the mozzarella to the brightness of the basil, and the sweet tartness of the balsamic reduction.

8 ounces fresh mozzarella: Choose good-quality mozzarella for that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1½ pounds ripe tomatoes: Opt for vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and color variety.
¼ cup fresh basil leaves: Basil adds an aromatic lift that ties all the flavors beautifully.
Flaky salt, to taste: A sprinkle of flaky salt enhances flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient for the reduction, providing deep, rich tanginess.
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar: Balances the vinegar’s acidity with subtle sweetness.
1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a slight savory punch into the dressing.
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds smoothness and richness to the finishing dressing.

How to Make Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe

Step 1: Arrange the Tomatoes and Cheese

Start by thoughtfully placing the fresh mozzarella and ripe tomato slices or pieces on a large serving platter. Alternate and overlap them to build a colorful mosaic that’s inviting and beautiful. Scatter the fresh basil leaves between the layers to infuse their bright, herbal aroma throughout.

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Reduction

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally as it reduces by about half and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take roughly 6 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes—this is where the magic in this Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe truly begins.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Dressing

Transfer the cooled balsamic reduction to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add the minced garlic and extra-virgin olive oil. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is beautifully emulsified. If you prefer, whisk everything together in a bowl until you reach the same smooth consistency.

Step 4: Drizzle and Season

Generously drizzle the dressing over the arranged mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Finish off with a sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This final touch brings all the layers of flavor to life. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this deceptively simple but irresistible salad.

How to Serve Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe

A white plate holds a colorful salad with many layers: the bottom layer has thin slices of red, green, and yellow tomatoes spread across the plate. Scattered on top are round slices of white cheese with a smooth texture, some pieces are whole while others are smaller chunks. Dark red cherry tomatoes are placed in groups over the salad. Bright green fresh basil leaves are spread around the plate, adding color and freshness. A dark brown balsamic dressing is drizzled over the top creating contrast on the tomatoes and cheese. The whole dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add extra flair, consider sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. A few microgreens or edible flowers can also elevate the presentation for a special occasion, giving the salad an elegant, fresh finish.

Side Dishes

This Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette to soak up all the luscious dressing. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a light pasta dish for a complete and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the ingredients in individual glass jars or serving bite-sized versions on skewers as an appetizer. Using heirloom tomatoes in different colors can create a vibrant, eye-catching display that is just as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, it’s best to store the mozzarella and tomatoes separately from the dressing and combine just before serving.

Freezing

This salad does not freeze well because fresh mozzarella and tomatoes lose their texture and flavor when thawed. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh to capture all the wonderful contrasts in texture and taste.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give the ingredients a quick toss with a little more olive oil or fresh basil before serving leftovers cold again for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of vinegar for the reduction?

For the signature flavor of a Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe, balsamic vinegar is essential. While you could experiment with red wine vinegar, balsamic offers the sweet and tangy balance that makes this dish special.

Is fresh basil necessary or can I use dried basil?

Fresh basil is strongly recommended because it has a much brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to dried basil, which tends to be more muted and less aromatic, especially in a simple recipe like this.

How thick should the balsamic reduction be?

The reduction should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It will thicken slightly more as it cools, creating that beautiful syrupy glaze that complements the salad.

Can I prepare the balsamic reduction ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the balsamic reduction a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before whisking in the garlic and olive oil for the dressing.

What if I can’t find fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal, but if you can’t find it, look for a high-quality ball mozzarella sold in water rather than pre-shredded mozzarella, which won’t have the same texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe truly celebrates how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a fresh, flavorful dish anytime. Give it a try, and watch how this simple yet elegant salad becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need