Name: Amazing 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Oh, summer! It always feels like the days are longer, but somehow, the time for cooking dinner gets shorter. Maybe it’s the extra daylight pulling you outside, or just the heat making you want to spend less time over a hot stove. Whatever it is, I know I’m always on the hunt for meals that are quick, easy, and packed with fresh flavor. That’s where this amazing 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes comes in. It’s the absolute epitome of simple summer eating.

Seriously, we’re talking minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. It’s just a handful of beautiful ingredients coming together in the most delightful way. The sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the creamy goodness of fresh mozzarella, and that unmistakable aroma of basil – it’s pure magic. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to pull this off. And trust me, as someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen creating quick recipes, I can tell you this salad is a winner every single time.

My friend Savana and I built 911Recipes on the idea that delicious food doesn’t have to take forever. This Caprese salad is one of our go-to examples of that philosophy in action. It’s proof that you can have something incredibly fresh and satisfying on the table in about the time it takes to set it.

Why You’ll Love This 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Let me tell you why this salad has become a total staple in my kitchen, especially when the weather warms up. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little slice of summer happiness in a bowl.

It’s crazy fast: The name doesn’t lie! You can really have this ready to eat in about 15 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you think there’s nothing to make.
So simple, anyone can do it: If you can chop a tomato and tear some cheese, you’re golden. No complicated steps here.
Bursting with freshness: The taste of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil is just unbeatable. It feels light and vibrant.
Surprisingly versatile: It’s a fantastic side dish, a light lunch, or even a simple appetizer. It fits right in.

It’s just one of those dishes that makes you feel good about what you’re eating without any fuss.

Gathering Your Ingredients for 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Making this quick Caprese salad is all about starting with really good stuff. Since there are only a few ingredients, the quality of each one really shines through. Using fresh, vibrant ingredients makes all the difference in getting that amazing flavor we’re after in our 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes.

Detailed Ingredients for Your 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create this simple masterpiece:

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved. Look for ones that are bright red and feel heavy for their size.
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into bite-sized pieces. Fresh is key here!
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn. The smell alone makes it worth it.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. A good quality oil adds so much flavor.
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional). This just adds a little sweet tang.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Seasoning makes everything pop.

See? Simple list, big flavor potential!

Simple Steps to Make Your 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Alright, let’s get this delicious salad made! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be amazed you haven’t made it every night. Here are the super easy steps to get your 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes on the table in no time.

First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. This is where all the magic happens. Into that bowl, toss in your halved cherry tomatoes. They look so pretty and vibrant, don’t they?

Next, add the torn fresh mozzarella. I like tearing it because it gives those lovely rustic edges that catch the dressing. Then, gently add the torn fresh basil leaves. The smell is just incredible as you add them.

Now, it’s time for the liquid gold! Drizzle your extra virgin olive oil generously over everything in the bowl. Don’t be shy with the oil; it really brings the flavors together.

Season it up! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. I usually start with a pinch of each and add more if needed after a little taste test.

Give it a gentle toss. You want to coat everything with the oil and seasonings without bruising the basil or breaking up the mozzarella too much. Just a few turns should do the trick.

If you’re using it, now’s the moment for the balsamic glaze. Drizzle it over the top just before serving. It adds a lovely sweet counterpoint to the fresh ingredients.

And that’s it! The most crucial step now is to serve it immediately. This salad is at its absolute best right after it’s made when everything is super fresh and the flavors are bright. Enjoy your speedy and delicious 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes!

Tips for Perfecting Your 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Even though this salad is incredibly simple, a few little tricks can make it go from good to absolutely amazing. I’ve made this Caprese salad countless times, and these are the things I’ve learned make the biggest difference.

First off, seriously, the ingredient quality matters so much. Since there are only a few things in this salad, each one needs to pull its weight flavor-wise. Splurge a little on good quality extra virgin olive oil and the freshest mozzarella you can find. It really makes a noticeable difference in your 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes.

Temperature is another key. I like to let my mozzarella sit out for about 10-15 minutes before making the salad. It just gets a little softer and creamier, which is lovely. Also, don’t make this ahead of time. It’s best enjoyed right after you toss it. The tomatoes release their juices, and the basil is most fragrant when it’s super fresh.

Finally, taste and adjust your seasoning! A little more salt or pepper can really make the flavors pop. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth, especially if I’m using it as a side for something richer.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your 15 Minute Caprese Salad

One of the great things about simple recipes like this 15 Minute Caprese Salad is how forgiving they can be. While the classic ingredients are perfect, sometimes you need to make a swap! If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, sliced larger tomatoes work too; just aim for ripe ones. If fresh mozzarella is hard to find, you could use bocconcini balls or even sliced buffalo mozzarella for a richer flavor. Dried basil isn’t ideal here; the fresh stuff is essential for that signature taste. And if you don’t have balsamic glaze, a little good quality balsamic vinegar can work, though the glaze has a nice thickness and sweetness. Just remember that any swap might slightly change the texture or intensity of the flavors in your 15 Minute Caprese Salad.

Frequently Asked Questions About 15 Minute Caprese Salad

I get asked a few things about making this quick Caprese salad, so I thought I’d answer them here! It’s such a simple dish, but sometimes the little details matter.

Can I make this 15 Minute Caprese Salad ahead of time?

Honestly, I don’t recommend making it too far in advance. It’s at its absolute best when the tomatoes are fresh and the mozzarella is creamy, right after you toss it. If you need to prep, you can halve the cherry tomatoes and tear the mozzarella, but hold off on adding the basil, oil, salt, and pepper until just before serving. This keeps everything looking and tasting vibrant.

What kind of mozzarella is best for Caprese salad?

Definitely fresh mozzarella! The kind that comes in a ball packed in water or whey. It has that lovely soft, creamy texture that’s perfect with the tomatoes. Pre-shredded mozzarella won’t give you the same result for your 15 Minute Caprese Salad.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

No problem! Balsamic glaze is basically reduced balsamic vinegar, making it thicker and sweeter. You can use a good quality balsamic vinegar instead, just drizzle it lightly. Or, you can even make your own glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.

How long does this salad last?

While it’s best served immediately, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day, maybe two. The basil might wilt a bit, and the tomatoes will release more juice, but it’s still edible. It’s just not quite as vibrant as when it’s fresh.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just so you have an idea, here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this quick and easy Caprese salad. Keep in mind these are just estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and how much you serve yourself!

Serving Size: Roughly 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: Around 200
Sugar: About 5g
Sodium: Around 150mg
Fat: About 15g (including saturated and unsaturated)
Carbohydrates: Around 8g
Fiber: About 2g
Protein: Around 10g

It’s a pretty balanced option, offering some good protein and healthy fats from the mozzarella and olive oil. It’s a satisfying choice that won’t weigh you down.

Enjoy Your Quick and Fresh Salad

There you have it! A truly delicious and incredibly easy 15 Minute Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes. It’s the perfect proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something wonderful. I really hope you give this recipe a try!

It’s become a favorite in my home for a reason. When you make yours, please let me know how it turns out. You can leave a comment below or even rate the recipe. I love hearing from you and seeing your creations!