Caprese Salad with Grape or Cherry Tomatoes

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This Caprese Salad with Grape or Cherry Tomatoes is a quick 10-minute recipe that uses bite sized sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil, all tossed in rich olive oil and finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze.

If you enjoy this dish, you'll also love our Mini Caprese Skewers, Cold Spaghetti Salad Recipe with Marinated Tomatoes, or this Caprese Sandwich.

Caprese Salad with grape tomatoes tossed in salad bowl with balsamic glaze.

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Caprese Salad with Grape or Cherry Tomatoes at a Glance 🔎
Why We Love This Recipe
Caprese Salad with Grape or Cherry Tomatoes Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make This Cherry or Grape Tomato Caprese Salad
Storage
Expert Tips for Success
Recipe FAQs
More Salad Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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Caprese Salad with Grape or Cherry Tomatoes at a Glance 🔎

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cook Time: 0 minutes
👥 Servings: 6-8
🔥 Cook Method: No-cook
🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Italian-inspired salad
👩‍🍳 Pair With: Grilled chicken, baked eggplant, crusty bread or focaccia
⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy

We love the simple ingredients, no cooking required, and fresh, classic combination. ~Jami

Why We Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking and great for meal prep!
Fresh and Wholesome: Naturally gluten-free and low-carb with clean, whole ingredients.
Entertaining-Ready: Eye-catching colors and bright flavors impress with minimal effort. They're perfect for scooping, sharing, or building onto a platter. Just like this Easy Tomato Confit Recipe.
Flexible and Family-Friendly: Easily scaled up and great for kids or picky eaters.

Caprese Salad with Grape or Cherry Tomatoes Ingredients

A labeled image of everything needed to make caprese salad with grape or cherry tomatoes.

Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: We use 2 pounds, halved. Grape tomatoes are firmer while cherry tomatoes tend to be juicier and sweeter.
Mozzarella Pearls: We use 16 ounces, drained. Their small size makes them perfect for tossing with halved tomatoes.
Fresh Basil: About ½ cup, roughly chopped and loosely packed.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps everything blend.
Balsamic Glaze: Provides that signature sweet-tangy punch.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

Tomatoes: Use heirloom cherry tomatoes.
Mozzarella: Substitute with cubed fresh mozzarella balls or slices from a mozzarella log.
Basil: Use arugula if basil isn't available.
Equipment: Skewer ingredients on toothpicks for a party-friendly version.

How to Make This Cherry or Grape Tomato Caprese Salad

STEP ONE: Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes and add them to a large serving bowl. Drain the mozzarella pearls well so the salad stays fresh and not watery.

Adding balsamic glaze to tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.

STEP TWO: Add Oil and Glaze

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella, followed by the balsamic glaze. Gently toss to coat everything evenly without breaking the mozzarella pearls.

Adding chopped basil to the caprese salad.

STEP THREE: Add Basil and Season

Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad, then season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Caprese salad tossed and ready to serve.

STEP FOUR: Toss and Serve

Give the salad one last gentle toss, then serve immediately or transfer to a platter for entertaining.

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Storage

Store leftover caprese salad with cherry tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze. For best results, store undressed and add the olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the olive oil and tomatoes.
✔️ DO Drain the mozzarella well to avoid watering down the salad.
✔️ DO Serve fresh for best texture.
❌ DO NOT overdress the salad early. The glaze should go on right before serving.

Recipe FAQs

What can I use instead of mozzarella in Caprese salad?

If you don't have fresh mozzarella, try using burrata for a richer, creamier texture or feta for a salty, tangy contrast. Cubed provolone or slices of mild goat cheese can also work in a pinch.

Can I use dried basil in Caprese salad?

While dried basil technically works in some recipes, it won't deliver the same fresh flavor or bright appearance that fresh basil offers in a Caprese salad. If you're out of fresh basil, try substituting with baby arugula.

How do I keep Caprese salad from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy Caprese salad, start by draining the mozzarella well and patting it dry with a paper towel. Use firm, ripe cherry or grape tomatoes and slice them right before serving. Avoid overmixing, which can break down the tomatoes. Finally, don't add the balsamic glaze or olive oil until just before serving.

What is Caprese salad?

Caprese salad (or insalata caprese) is a traditional Italian dish made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and extra virgin olive oil. It's often finished with balsamic vinegar or glaze.