This savory Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction recipe absolutely floored me with its deep, complex flavor. And it’s so versatile! This simple tomato and mozzarella salad is swanky enough to serve as an appetizer at an upscale dinner party and casual enough to serve for your next family picnic.

Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

With just a few super-fresh ingredients and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze that has just a hint of sweetness, this easy Caprese Salad is guaranteed to impress anyone and everyone!

The flavors in this simple fresh vegetable salad recipe are seriously heavy hitters. You’re going to love how all the flavors come together to make something truly spectacular. Even better, it literally takes minutes to put together. Even the balsamic reduction only takes 20 minutes to cook, which means you can have this whole thing ready to go from start to finish in practically no time.

Whatever you’re cooking for, whether it’s a potluck for work, your relatives visiting from out of town, or just a regular Sunday dinner – this is the right dish for you! It’s easy, it’s fast, and it’s IMPRESSIVE. Fresh Caprese Salad is light and fresh and the balsamic reduction brings it together to really pack a big flavor punch.

Love the idea of balsamic dressing on an appetizer-friendly dish? Me too! Next up, try my Chicken and Chanterelle Crostini .

Caprese Salad Shopping List

This Caprese salad recipe is super easy to make. The tomatoes are seasoned with salt and pepper, then layered with fresh mozzarella slices and fresh basil leaves. Then all you have to do is drizzle the balsamic reduction over it for a smashing success.

Part of the reason Caprese salad is so easy to make is that it has very few ingredients, and most of them are fresh.

• Tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh mozzarella
• Salt
• Pepper
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dark brown sugar

Get more awesome Appetizer Recipes!

Where did Caprese Salad originate?

Caprese salad is a wonderful dish that probably originated on the island of Capri in Italy. There’s no way to know for sure, but since “Caprese” means “of Capri” it seems like a pretty safe bet.

Capri is an island in the Bay of Naples, and it’s known for its high-class goods. Incidentally, it’s also known for the Blue Grotto, a gorgeous cavern where apparently the sea looks like it’s glowing?? Brb, I think I need to book a flight real quick.

“Caprese” is an Italian word, but here in America, we have embraced it! If you’re traveling to Italy you might want to try to pronounce “kuh-pray-szhey”, but most Americans just say “kuh-pre-say”. Either way, we’ll know what you mean – the deliciously fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad that tastes like it’s straight from Italy.

Check out our Grilled Chicken Recipes

How to make a balsamic reduction

A basic balsamic reduction is a breeze to make. You only need one ingredient, balsamic vinegar, and a pot to heat it in. My version includes dark brown sugar for a little extra sweetness that really brings out the taste of the balsamic vinegar.

A balsamic reduction is a must-have for this Caprese salad, but you’ll definitely want to pop over to my post (coming soon) dedicated to this delicious condiment. It’s great on so many things, and it’s so easy to make!

1. Combine the balsamic vinegar and dark brown sugar in a saucepan.
2. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Turn the heat down to a low simmer.
4. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half.

How to store Balsamic Reduction

Balsamic vinegar by itself should always be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. It should be well sealed, but it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Keeping it at room temperature preserves the taste. Don’t worry, it will stay good for years.

Once you’ve reduced the balsamic vinegar, it will keep for a few days in a well-sealed container at room temperature. After a day or two, though, you should pop it in the fridge for ultimate freshness.

Try with our Homemade Clam Chowder!

What can you serve with a Caprese salad?

Caprese Salad is a great dish to serve with really anything, all summer long. The fresh, bright flavors mix well with pretty much everything! If you need some suggestions, I’ve got you covered.

Any dense, crusty bread is great with a Caprese salad. You can try these Garlic Breadsticks on the side. Baguettes are good too!

If you’re looking for a main dish, think light. Caprese salad is made for breezy, sunny summer days, and you want an entree that matches that feeling.

A lightly seasoned, grilled chicken dish would be great. A classic like this Traeger Grilled Chicken recipe is perfect. My Honey Balsamic Traeger Grilled Chicken Legs or these Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters would pair well, too. Or, for something a little different, try my Traeger Grilled Chicken Kabobs.

Fish is also a great option! Try one of our many Salmon Recipes, or make this easy Grilled Halibut.

Try our Traeger Sweet Chili Shrimp!

How to eat Caprese Salad

I love love love the rich taste of a classic Caprese salad. What’s really special about it, though, is how incredibly flexible it is.

If you LOVE this Caprese salad recipe, try using it in some fun new ways. Take the same basic ingredients – tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves – and put a brand-new twist on this old favorite!

Here are six ways to eat a Caprese, minus the salad!

1. Caprese sandwiches on a crusty roll or sourdough bread
2. Caprese pizza with homemade crust
3. Caprese on crackers for a passable appetizer
4. Caprese pasta salad
5. Caprese Grilled Cheese

More great recipes to enjoy!

• Traeger Ham and Cheese Scalloped Potato Casserole
• A5 Wagyu vs American Wagyu
• Smoked Chuck Tender Roast
• Smoked Pulled Wild Hog Sandwiches
• Traeger Stuffed Pork Chops
• Grilled Peaches
• Crispy Blackstone Chicken Wings
• Smoked Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
• Smoked Beef Bacon Jalapeno Poppers
• Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
• Smoked Pickled Jalapeños
• Rockfish and Spot Prawn Ceviche
• Traeger Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta

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