15-Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Plump and juicy cherry tomatoes pair with fresh mozzarella and basil in this 15-Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes. Finished with a quick dressing featuring balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Enjoy with thick and rich aged balsamic vinegar, or make a similar version with a thinner variety of balsamic vinegar in about 5 minutes (see recipe notes for how to). Fresh and satisfying, this summer salad is delicious as a side salad or appetizer.Note: This recipe makes a big salad, but you can easily make half for a smaller salad.

📝 Ingredients

• 26 ounces (737 grams) Cherry Tomatoes (about two pints)
• 2, 8 ounce (227 grams ea) Containers of Ciliegine Mozzarella Balls (*see note for dairy free)
• 1/2 cup (15 grams) Loosely packed fresh basil leaves (more or less to taste, about 1 small bunch, divided)
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (aged) (or balsamic glaze see note to DIY)
• 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon Red Pepper Flake (optional)
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper (to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Destem the tomatoes and slice larger tomatoes in half while keeping smaller ones whole. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. 2Drain the Ciliegine mozzarella. Keep about half the mozzarella whole while slicing or tearing the remaining balls in half. Transfer to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes.
3. 3Set about half the basil leaves aside. Stack the remaining leaves, roll up lengthwise, and slice them thin (chiffonade). Alternatively, you can tear the basil leaves. Transfer to the mixing bowl. Set aside.
4. 4--- For the Dressing: ---
5. 5In small bowl, add the balsamic vinegar (or glaze), olive oil, salt and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk to incorporate. The mixture will be thick. Set aside. *See recipe notes to make a similar glaze using balsamic vinegar.
6. 6--- Put the Salad Together: ---
7. 7Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Gently toss. Taste for salt adjustment.
8. 8For Serving: transfer to a serving bowl, add a few twists of fresh ground black pepper and garnish with remaining whole basil leaves. Add more to taste. Share right away.
9. 9Best Fresh: This salad is best shared fresh. The tomatoes release their liquids after being salted and the basil tends to wilt. If holding before serving, cover and refrigerate, then let set at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. Add the fresh basil, dressing and any additional salt just before serving. Store leftovers in a lidded container for up to two days.