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.
½cupfresh basil leavesloosely packed and roughly chopped
3tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
2tablespoonsbalsamic glaze
flaky sea saltto taste
fresh cracked black pepperto taste
Instructions
Halve the grape or cherry tomatoes and add them to a large serving bowl. Drain the mozzarella pearls well so the salad stays fresh without excess liquid.
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzarella, followed by the balsamic glaze. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, taking care not to break the mozzarella pearls.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad, then season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Give the salad one final gentle toss and serve immediately, or transfer to a platter.
Video
Notes
Cooking Notes:Use well-drained ingredients and layer them in the right order so the salad stays fresh and balanced.Finishing with basil and salt at the end keeps the flavors clean and the texture light.Tips for Best Results:
Drain the mozzarella well and pat the tomatoes dry after cutting to prevent excess liquid.
Add the basil at the end so it stays bright and does not wilt.
Season just before serving so the salt does not pull moisture from the tomatoes.
How to Know It’s Ready: The tomatoes should look lightly glossy, the mozzarella evenly coated, and the basil vibrant and fresh.