Description

Watermelon Strawberry Caprese Salad is a vibrant and refreshing summer dish that combines juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, and creamy fresh mozzarella with fragrant basil and a tangy balsamic glaze. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for hot days, gatherings, or as a healthy snack, offering a delightful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and herbal brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits & Cheese

4 cups ripe, seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes or thin slices
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls or slices

Herbs & Seasoning

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, washed and whole
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Dressing

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

Prepare the Fruits: Wash the strawberries and fresh basil leaves thoroughly. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes or thin slices and slice the strawberries evenly to ensure balanced texture and presentation.
Slice the Mozzarella: If using fresh mozzarella balls, slice them in halves or thirds depending on their size for even distribution in the salad.
Arrange the Salad: On a large serving plate or bowl, alternate layers or sections of watermelon, strawberry slices, and mozzarella slices or balls. Scatter fresh basil leaves evenly over the top to spread the herbal aroma throughout the dish.
Season and Dress: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the arranged salad. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance all the natural flavors.
Serve Fresh: Serve the salad immediately or within an hour of preparation for the best flavor and texture, allowing the ingredients to mingle while maintaining their refreshing crunch.

Notes

Use ripe, fresh, and cold fruits to maximize natural sweetness and refreshing quality.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; keep dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
Avoid freezing this salad as it deteriorates the texture and flavor of the fruits and cheese.
Garnish with additional basil leaves, mint sprigs, microgreens, edible flowers, or flaky sea salt for added visual appeal and flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives or omit it completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg