I bet you’re thinking, “Strawberries? Why, with all the tomatoes around?” But trust me—while nothing replaces the classic caprese, this Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe deserves its own spot on your table. Plus, strawberries are often easier to find year-round, making this fresh twist a go-to no matter the season.
Even if your strawberries aren’t at their peak sweetness, this salad shines thanks to its simple ingredients and balanced flavors that come together perfectly. The real game changer? The homemade creamy strawberry vinaigrette is like the icing on the cake for this refreshing salad. A salad this good feels like a full-circle moment, especially for the little girl my Pop once called “Salad Girl."
The salted sunflower seeds add a nutty crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft, sweet toppings, tying the whole salad together with a satisfying bite.
Instead of basil, this version gets its freshness from a mix of crisp romaine and tender green and purple leaf lettuces. These greens provide a sturdy base that holds up against the juicy strawberries and creamy mozzarella while letting their flavors and that luscious dressing shine through without overpowering the salad.
This salad is intentionally not just a typical caprese with sliced strawberries and basil leaves over fresh mozzarella. I wanted it to be a salad that’s delectable enough to enjoy as a main course on hot summer days, yet versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a finished course alongside another meal.
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Ingredients
Fresh, simple ingredients come together in this salad to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures—ready to elevate any summer meal.
- Romaine Lettuce
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Strawberries
- Sunflower Seeds
- Strawberry Vinaigrette
See recipe card for quantities.
❓Can I Make This Caprese Salad Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prep the greens, strawberries, and mozzarella up to a day ahead and store separately in airtight containers. Add the dressing and sunflower seeds just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Party Salad
This strawberry caprese salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, and pizza parties. It’s fresh, vibrant, and light, making it an ideal side dish for by the pool or any outdoor meal. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead and scales up effortlessly, so you can serve a crowd without the stress.
What Dressing Goes Best with Caprese Salad?
The best dressings are simple and fresh, like a classic balsamic vinaigrette or olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. My creamy strawberry balsamic vinaigrette adds a unique twist with rich, fruity flavor that elevates the whole salad.
Making dressing from scratch does take a bit more time, but with some prep and planning, you can have it ready well before serving, making your salad truly next level.
Storage
To keep your strawberry caprese salad fresh, store the prepared greens, strawberries, and mozzarella separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep the creamy strawberry vinaigrette and sunflower seeds separate and add them just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness and texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
Sip, crunch, repeat! This fresh and flavorful Strawberry Caprese Salad pairs perfectly with these refreshing drinks to keep the good vibes going.
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📖 Recipe
Strawberry Caprese Salad with Creamy Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 small head romaine chopped
- 2 cups green & red leaf lettuce blend chopped
- 1 cup or more quartered strawberries
- 4 oz mozzarella pearls or chopped fresh mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons salted sunflower seeds
Realest Real Creamy Strawberry Balsamic Dressing 🍓
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
Strawberry Caprese Salad Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine and leaf lettuce blend.
- Gently toss in the strawberries and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top just before serving.
- Drizzle with dressing or serve it on the side.
Realest Real Creamy Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the strawberry jam, mayo, Dijon, and balsamic.
- Slowly stream in the vegetable oil while whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt as needed.
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