15-Minute Chopped Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil
A light, refreshing Italian salad combining halved grape tomatoes, silky mozzarella balls, and fresh basil in a simple olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. Best served chilled as a side dish or light starter, this version emphasizes the quality of each ingredient rather than cooking technique. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or alongside grilled proteins.
Ingredients
- 4 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil, leaves stripped and slivered
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, freshfeta cheese3/4 cupvegetarianvegan
tangier profile
Instructions
- 1
Halve the grape tomatoes.
- 2
Strip basil leaves from stems and cut into thin slivers.
- 3
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- 4
Combine tomatoes, basil, dressing, and mozzarella in a medium bowl.
- 5
Toss gently to coat.
- 6
Chill before serving.
Tips
Use room-temperature tomatoes before chilling the final salad to preserve flavor; refrigerating raw tomatoes dulls their taste.
Dress the salad just before serving to prevent tomatoes from releasing excess liquid and diluting the vinaigrette.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days. Store dressing separately if preparing ahead.
Prepare components separately: halve tomatoes, slice basil, and make dressing. Combine 30 minutes before serving.
Serve chilled as a side dish, light appetizer, or alongside grilled chicken, fish, or crusty bread.
Common Mistakes
Do not refrigerate tomatoes before assembly to avoid muted flavor.
Do not dress salad more than 1 hour ahead to prevent watery texture from tomato liquid.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare components separately and refrigerate up to 1 day. Combine and dress 30 minutes before serving to keep tomatoes from releasing excess liquid.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
Fresh mint, oregano, or parsley work as substitutes, though basil's anise notes are signature to caprese. Avoid dried herbs, which lack the delicate flavor profile.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Yes. Cherry tomatoes are slightly larger; halve or quarter them for consistent bite-sized pieces. Cook time remains unchanged since this is a no-cook recipe.