It is hot outside and you need something fresh fast. This Strawberry Avocado Caprese Salad is the perfect solution for your summer cravings. It is bright, sweet, and incredibly creamy. You can have this beautiful dish ready in just 15 minutes.
This recipe delivers a gourmet look without any of the stress. It is a fun twist on a classic favorite. You will love how the flavors balance perfectly together. It is a great way to use fresh seasonal produce right now.
Why You Will Make This Again
This is the ultimate summer side dish for any occasion. It is light enough for a lunch but impressive enough for guests. The strawberries provide a juicy pop of natural sweetness. Avocado adds a rich, buttery texture that everyone loves.
You will appreciate how reliable and quick this recipe is. There is no oven required, which keeps your kitchen cool. It is a fantastic choice for casual hosting or a simple weeknight meal. Once you try this combination, you won’t go back to plain salads.
How This Comes Together
This recipe is a simple “chop and drop” situation. There is zero cooking involved today. You just prep your fruit and toss everything together on a platter. It is a foolproof way to make a restaurant-quality dish at home. Even beginners can master this in one try.
What You Will Need
Gather these simple pantry staples and fresh items from the market.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 large avocados, pitted, peeled, and cubed
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-By-Step Directions
- In a large shallow bowl or serving platter, combine the sliced strawberries and cubed avocado.
- Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella pearls throughout the strawberry and avocado mixture.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad components to provide a base fat layer.
- Season the assembly uniformly with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Scatter the basil chiffonade over the top of the salad.
- Finish by drizzling the balsamic glaze in a cross-hatch pattern over the entire dish immediately before service to prevent discoloration of the avocado.
How To Serve It
Serve this Strawberry Avocado Caprese Salad immediately for the best texture. It looks stunning when spread out on a wide white platter. You can pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal. It also goes great with a toasted baguette on the side. This is a total crowd-pleaser for any backyard BBQ.
Leftovers and Storage
This salad is definitely best enjoyed the moment it is made. The avocado can start to brown if it sits too long. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight glass container. Keep them in the fridge for no more than 24 hours. The strawberries may release juice, so it might be a bit softer. Do not freeze this fresh salad as the texture will be lost.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Use avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm to the touch.
- Don’t skip the flaky sea salt because it makes the flavors pop.
- Wait until the very last second to add the balsamic glaze.
- Cut your basil with sharp shears to prevent the edges from bruising.
- Chill your serving platter in the fridge to keep the fruit crisp.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a better mouthfeel.
- Avoid over-mixing the salad so the avocado cubes stay intact.
- Serve this outdoors for a perfect summer garden party vibe.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Swap the mozzarella pearls for crumbled feta for a salty kick.
- Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Use peaches instead of strawberries during the height of peach season.
- Add a bed of baby arugula for a peppery bite and more greens.
Quick Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the strawberries and cheese a few hours early. However, do not slice the avocado until you are ready to serve. Assemble the final dish right before the meal starts for the best look.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
You can make a quick version by simmering balsamic vinegar with sugar. Reduce it on the stove until it becomes thick and syrupy. Let it cool completely before drizzling it over your fresh fruit.
This is my favorite way to eat fresh fruit in the summer. It is fast, fresh, and always a hit with my family. I hope you enjoy every bite!
— Ethan
Strawberry Avocado Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a large shallow bowl or serving platter, combine the sliced strawberries and cubed avocado.
- Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella pearls throughout the strawberry and avocado mixture.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad components to provide a base fat layer.
- Season the assembly uniformly with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Scatter the basil chiffonade over the top of the salad.
- Finish by drizzling the balsamic glaze in a cross-hatch pattern over the entire dish immediately before service to prevent discoloration of the avocado.
