Embrace the vibrant flavors of spring with a delightful twist on a classic. This stunning Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad, a vibrant Caprese variation, is not just a feast for the eyes but a symphony of fresh tastes, making it an irresistible addition to any spring or summer gathering. Its striking colors and perfectly balanced ingredients are sure to captivate and impress!

Contents

Experience the Freshness: Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad – A Springtime Culinary Delight

There’s nothing quite like the arrival of spring to inspire fresh, light, and colorful dishes. While the unpredictable spring weather might sometimes shorten our beloved local strawberry season, it simply means we cherish those moments when these tiny, ruby-red beauties are at their peak. This Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad was born from just such a moment – a desire to capture the fleeting sweetness of ripe strawberries and combine them with the timeless elegance of a Caprese salad. Perfect for entertaining, or simply elevating a weeknight meal, this salad is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Forget individual plating; we opted for a grand, composed presentation on a bed of delicate baby spinach, ensuring every guest could enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Why This Strawberry Caprese Salad Deserves a Spot on Your Table

The traditional Caprese salad, with its trio of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, is a beloved classic for a reason. But introducing fresh strawberries elevates it to new heights, offering a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes. Here’s why this particular iteration is a must-try:

A Symphony of Colors: The vivid reds of strawberries and tomatoes against the pristine white mozzarella and emerald green spinach and basil create an undeniably beautiful presentation.
Refreshing & Light: Ideal for warmer weather, this salad is incredibly refreshing, acting as a palate cleanser or a light, satisfying meal.
Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its simple preparation, the salad looks sophisticated and special, making it perfect for dinner parties, brunches, or festive occasions.
Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats from the olive oil, it’s a dish that tastes good and does you good.
Seasonal Celebration: It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty of spring and early summer produce, highlighting the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries.

The Star Ingredients: Unlocking the Flavors of This Unique Caprese Salad

The beauty of this Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad lies in the quality and freshness of its components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and memorable dish.

Sweet Strawberries: A Seasonal Treasure

When strawberries are in season, their flavor is unparalleled. Look for berries that are plump, brightly colored, and fragrant. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness provide an exciting counterpoint to the savory elements of the salad, transforming the traditional Caprese profile into something unexpectedly delightful. For this recipe, small or medium-sized strawberries work best, halved or quartered depending on their size, to ensure bite-sized pieces.

Creamy Mozzarella: Bocconcini Perfection

Fresh mozzarella is non-negotiable for any Caprese-style salad. Instead of a larger ball of fresh mozzarella that requires slicing, we opted for bocconcini – small, bite-sized balls of fresh mozzarella. These are wonderfully convenient, offering a perfectly creamy texture and mild, milky flavor in every bite without the hassle of slicing. If bocconcini aren’t available, ciliegine (even smaller balls) or a larger fresh mozzarella ball, carefully sliced, will also work beautifully. Just be sure to drain them well before adding to the salad to avoid excess moisture.

Juicy Tomatoes: The Classic Caprese Element

Grape tomatoes are an excellent choice for this salad. Their petite size and concentrated sweetness burst with flavor, complementing both the strawberries and the mozzarella. Cherry tomatoes are also a fantastic alternative. When selecting, look for firm, brightly colored tomatoes with smooth skins. Halving them allows their juices to mingle with the dressing and other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Fresh Basil: The Aromatic Heart

No Caprese salad is complete without the aromatic freshness of basil. Its peppery, slightly sweet, and minty notes are the soul of the dish, providing that signature herbaceous lift that ties all the components together. Shredded basil leaves are perfect for scattering over the top, releasing their fragrance with every bite. Always opt for fresh basil over dried; the difference in flavor is immense.

Baby Spinach: A Nutrient-Rich Bed

While often served simply on its own, presenting this salad on a bed of baby spinach adds a lovely layer of earthiness and additional nutrients. Baby spinach is tender, mild, and vibrant, providing a soft backdrop for the colorful ingredients. It also adds a satisfying textual contrast. If you prefer, peppery arugula or even mixed greens can be used as alternatives, depending on your taste preference.

Crafting the Perfect Vinaigrette: Simple Yet Flavorful

A simple yet thoughtfully prepared vinaigrette is key to bringing all the flavors of this Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad into perfect harmony. The original dressing was straightforward, but for an even more memorable experience, a few extra touches can make all the difference. This recipe leans into that “next time” thought, suggesting an enhanced dressing for a richer flavor profile.

Ingredients for an Enhanced Balsamic Vinaigrette:

High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): The foundation of any good vinaigrette. Choose a robust, fruity olive oil for the best flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar offers a balance of sweetness and tang. If you have a aged balsamic, even better.
Dijon Mustard: A small spoonful of Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar combine smoothly, and adds a subtle piquant kick that brightens the dressing.
A Hint of Sweetness: A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance the sweetness of the strawberries.
Fleur de Sel or Sea Salt: For a clean, mineral saltiness.
Freshly Ground Black or Pink Peppercorns: Pink peppercorns not only add a beautiful visual touch but also a milder, fruitier pepper flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should be vibrant and well-balanced, enhancing without overpowering the fresh produce.

Step-by-Step: Assembling Your Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad

Creating this stunning salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a beautiful and delicious result:

Prepare Your Greens: Begin by washing and thoroughly drying your baby spinach. A salad spinner is ideal for this to ensure the greens are crisp and free of excess moisture. Arrange the spinach evenly on your chosen serving platter or individual plates.
Prepare the Produce: Hull the strawberries and slice them in half or quarters, depending on their size. Halve the grape or cherry tomatoes. Drain the bocconcini (or sliced mozzarella) and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any residual moisture.
Artful Arrangement: Scatter the prepared strawberries, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls artfully over the bed of baby spinach. Aim for an even distribution of colors and textures, creating an appealing visual.
Dress it Up: Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Just before serving, drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette generously over the salad. You can always add more, so start with a moderate amount.
Garnish for Perfection: Finish the salad with a generous sprinkling of fresh, shredded basil leaves. For an extra touch of gourmet flair, lightly dust with fleur de sel and freshly crushed pink peppercorns. This not only adds flavor but also makes the salad look incredibly inviting.

Tips for Success & Delightful Variations

While the core recipe is simple, a few considerations can elevate your salad further, and customization is always encouraged!

Ingredient Selection Matters

As with all simple recipes, the quality of your ingredients truly shines through. Invest in ripe, in-season produce and good quality mozzarella and olive oil. It makes all the difference.

Presentation is Key

Whether you choose a large, dramatic platter for a family-style serving or individual plates for a more formal touch, arranging the ingredients thoughtfully enhances the dining experience. A composed salad allows each element to be showcased.

Seasonal Adjustments

If strawberries aren’t perfectly in season, don’t fret! While peak season offers the best flavor, you can still enjoy this salad. Consider adding a touch more sweetness to your dressing to compensate if your berries are less sweet. Alternatively, explore other seasonal fruits like peaches or nectarines for a similar sweet-savory dynamic.

Add-ins and Customizations

Protein Boost: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or even some thinly sliced prosciutto.
Nutty Crunch: Toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or candied pecans can add a delightful crunch and richness.
Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is traditional, burrata offers an even creamier, richer texture that would be divine. A sprinkle of shaved Parmesan could also add a salty, umami kick.
Herbal Twists: Experiment with a few fresh mint leaves alongside the basil for an even brighter flavor profile. Chives or finely chopped parsley can also add a subtle freshness.
Glaze Instead of Vinaigrette: For a richer, sweeter finish, skip the vinaigrette and simply drizzle with a high-quality balsamic glaze.

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

This Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad is incredibly versatile. It makes a magnificent appetizer or side dish for nearly any spring or summer meal. Imagine it alongside:

Grilled fish or chicken, where its freshness cuts through the richness.
A light pasta dish or risotto, offering a vibrant contrast.
As part of a larger brunch spread, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor barbecues – it travels well and always impresses.
A sophisticated starter for a dinner party, setting an elegant tone for the meal to come.

The Inspiration: Dorie Greenspan’s Culinary Wisdom

This delightful recipe finds its roots in the renowned Dorie Greenspan’s culinary masterpiece, Around My French Table. Dorie Greenspan is celebrated for her approachable yet sophisticated recipes, bringing the joy of French cooking into home kitchens worldwide. Her ability to inspire home cooks to explore new flavors and techniques is truly remarkable. This particular salad, a testament to her genius, encourages us to think beyond conventional pairings and embrace the delicious possibilities that arise when classic ideas meet fresh, seasonal inspirations. For those curious to explore more of her creations and see how other enthusiastic “Doristas” (fans of Dorie’s recipes) interpret her dishes, exploring the French Fridays with Dorie blog is a fantastic resource.

Beyond the Recipe: The Joy of Seasonal Eating

Ultimately, this Mozzarella, Tomato and Strawberry Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the best of what each season offers. It encourages us to appreciate the simple pleasures of fresh, vibrant ingredients coming together in a harmonious blend. So, next time you see those ruby-red strawberries at the market, don’t hesitate. Grab them, along with some creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes, and create this unforgettable salad. It’s a celebration of freshness, flavor, and the sheer joy of eating well. Enjoy every colorful, delicious bite!