Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

This Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is one of the most delicious and easiest summer salad recipes. It’s made with fresh mozzarella cut into bite-sized pieces, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This chopped Caprese salad is naturally gluten-free, making it the perfect party or bbq side dish or main course.

Traditional Caprese Salad (or Insalata Caprese) includes layers of thick-sliced plum tomato, fresh mozzarella cheese, whole fresh basil leaves, and balsamic vinegar.

My version is more of a chopped Caprese salad that uses cherry tomatoes, bite-sized pieces of fresh mozzarella, and torn pieces of fresh basil. 

I’ve been making Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes for years. And even though it’s a popular summer salad, I make it year-round. Even in winter, we love eating tomato and fresh mozzarella salads soaked in balsamic vinegar dressing. 

If we’re not eating this chopped Caprese salad, you’ll likely find this, summer pesto pasta salad, gluten-free Caesar salad or Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing on the menu. We love salads with big Italian flavors; see my gluten-free salad recipes for more ideas.

Jump to:

• Reasons you’ll love this recipe.
• Ingredients
• How to Make Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
• Supplies
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• Storage
• Other Gluten-Free Side Dishes.
• Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Reasons you’ll love this recipe.

• Comes together in less than 15 minutes. You have to chop the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and then toss them with balsamic dressing. There’s no cooking required.
• Crowd-pleaser. Everybody loves this Caprese salad recipe with cherry tomatoes, so double or triple it to bring to your next party.
• Naturally gluten-free. There’s no need to make any swaps.
• Make-ahead. This is a time-saver, but it also allows the tomatoes and mozzarella to soak up the balsamic dressing.

Ingredients

Since this is such a simple salad, it’s important to use good quality ingredients for the best flavor and results.

• Cherry tomatoes. You can also use grape tomatoes. For this particular Caprese recipe, I wouldn’t use chopped Roma or other larger tomatoes because I don’t think they hold up as well as the cherry and grape tomatoes.
• Fresh mozzarella. I dice up a log of fresh mozzarella into small bite-sized pieces. You certainly can use fresh mozzarella balls or mozzarella pearls, but if you’re struggling to find them, just cut up fresh mozzarella.
• Fresh basil. I strongly suggest using fresh basil instead of dried herbs for authentic Caprese salad flavor.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette. My homemade gluten free balsamic vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil. balsamic vinegar, Italian spices, and garlic gives this cherry tomato mozzarella salad a next level of flavor! Of course, if you choose to use a store-bought balsamic dressing, check the label to make sure it’s gluten-free. Also, the amount of balsamic dressing in this recipe is perfect, but sometimes I like to make a little extra to have on hand for guests or my family if they want to add more.

How to Make Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

This easy Caprese salad recipe comes together quickly; the most challenging part is chopping the ingredients.

• Start by putting the balsamic dressing together.
• Then slice the cherry tomatoes in half. You don’t want to leave the tomatoes whole because they won’t soak up all of the balsamic dressing, and that’s the best part! Place the cherry tomatoes into a large bowl.
• Cut the fresh mozzarella into small bite-sized pieces and place those into the bowl with the tomatoes.
• Tear or cut the fresh basil leaves into pieces and sprinkle them on top of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
• Pour the dressing into the tomato mixture and stir.
• Season with salt and black pepper. Don’t forget this step, because adding in a little salt helps all of the flavors pop.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerator for about an hour. You can enjoy this immediately, but I like to give the balsamic time to soak into the cheese and tomatoes.
• Sprinkle with additional fresh basil before serving.

Supplies

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large serving bowl

Serving Suggestions

This Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes is the perfect side dish, we love it with:

• Gluten-free breaded chicken
• Italian grilled chicken
• Italian burgers
• Healthy turkey burgers

Variations

This cherry tomato Caprese salad recipe is simply perfect, but there are other ingredients you can add to switch things up.

• Add gluten free pasta for a delicious caprese pasta salad.
• Red onion gives a nice crunch and another layer of flavor.
• Chickpeas add protein, fiber, and texture.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze on top gives a more intense balsamic flavor.
• If you don’t like balsamic vinegar, you can make this Caprese salad with white wine or red vinegar.

Storage

• If you’re making this for a party, you can assemble the Caprese cherry tomato salad 24 hours before, leaving out the fresh basil. Give it a couple of stirs before serving and, if needed, add more dressing. Stir in the fresh basil before serving.
• Leftovers will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The tomatoes might be a little shriveled but still tasty.

Other Gluten-Free Side Dishes.

• Gluten free Risotto
• Italian Roasted Vegetables
• Italian Roasted Potatoes
• Gluten free Garlic Bread

If you’ve tried this Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe make sure to leave a rating and comment! Also, continue the gluten free conversation and delicious recipe sharing over in our Gluten Free Italian Recipes Facebook Group. Join us now!