Description
This Sweet Cherry Caprese Salad combines juicy cherries, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for summer gatherings or as a light appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Use a cherry pitter to remove the pits from the sweet cherries. If you don’t have one, slice the cherries in half and carefully remove the pit with a small knife.
- Cut each pitted cherry in half to help them mix well with the other ingredients.
- If using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into halves or quarters. If using bocconcini, leave them whole but ensure they are well-drained.
- Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry. You can leave the leaves whole or tear them into smaller pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherries and mozzarella balls. Gently toss to mix.
- Add the fresh basil leaves to the bowl, sprinkling them over the cherry and mozzarella mixture.
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the salad, using a gentle hand to avoid overdoing it.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked pepper over the salad, adjusting to taste.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients without crushing them.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- Garnish with whole basil leaves or a light drizzle of additional balsamic glaze.
- Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately.
- Enjoy as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, perfect with grilled meats or seafood.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two.
- Consider adding sliced avocado for extra creaminess or other seasonal fruits for a unique twist.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, consume them quickly to avoid sogginess.
- Feel free to customize the salad with additional ingredients like nuts or different herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes