What kind of tomatoes are good for Caprese salad?

Cherry tomatoes are ideal for Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes because they’re sweet, juicy, and easy to prep. You can also use grape or heirloom cherry varieties, just be sure they’re ripe and not too firm. They offer the perfect balance for creamy mozzarella.

Should cherry tomatoes be cut for salad?

Yes, cutting them in half helps release their juice and lets the vinaigrette soak in. It also makes the salad easier to eat and better for flavor distribution.

How to use cherry tomatoes in salad?

Wash and dry them, then slice in half. Let them sit in salt for 5–10 minutes before mixing into your Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes to bring out natural juices. Pair with mozzarella and herbs for a balanced bowl.

What can I use instead of basil in Caprese salad?

You can swap in fresh parsley, mint, or even arugula if basil isn’t available. Each herb brings its own character, and they still complement the fresh tomato-mozzarella combo beautifully.

Do grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes taste the same?

Not quite. Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and juicier, while grape tomatoes are firmer and have thicker skin. For Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes , cherry tomatoes offer a better bite and flavor.

What cheese goes with cherry tomatoes?

Fresh mozzarella pearls are best. Their soft texture and mild taste balance the bright acidity of cherry tomatoes. Burrata or bocconcini also work well if you want to mix it up.

Caprese Salad With Cherry Tomatoes: 8 Beautiful Ideas

Name: Caprese Salad With Cherry Tomatoes You’ll Secretly Love
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz mozzarella pearls (ciliegine), drained; 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or torn; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredients

Scale

2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

8 oz mozzarella pearls (ciliegine), drained

3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or torn

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. Drain the mozzarella pearls and let them reach room temperature.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the mozzarella and basil to the bowl of cherry tomatoes.

5. Drizzle some of the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss.

6. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes to enhance flavor.

Notes

You can replace basil with parsley, mint, or arugula.

Grape tomatoes work too, but cherry tomatoes are sweeter.

To store leftovers, refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 322 kcal
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 73 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 0.2 mg

Keywords: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, cherry tomato salad, easy caprese recipe