Mixed Berry Caprese Salad

Jump to Recipe Pin This

Fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, this mixed berry caprese salad is a perfect summer side. It's quick to make, light, and guaranteed to impress at picnics or weeknight dinners.

A white bowl filled with leafy salad, cherry tomatoes, berries, avocado, and a metal spoon, with a small dish of dark dressing and a red checkered cloth nearby.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

I've always loved finding new ways to enjoy fresh berries, especially when the season makes them so easy to get. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory without feeling heavy, which is exactly what I want on warmer days. I've kept it in my regular rotation ever since, and it's one of those dishes that always surprises guests in the best way.

This simple salad is the kind of dish that looks impressive but comes together quickly. That's why I like to make it on busy summer nights. When I make a triple batch, I can bring it to a gathering to share. It's perfect for Memorial Day or a 4th of July party.

Ingredients

A white plate with cherry tomatoes, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and basil, surrounded by bowls of lettuce, mozzarella, vinegar, oil, pepper, and salt on a white table.

Fresh blackberries: Add deep color, natural sweetness, and a slight tartness that balances the salad.
Fresh raspberries: Provide bright flavor and a soft texture that contrasts with the cheese and greens.
Fresh blueberries: Bring a mild sweetness and juicy bite that rounds out the mix of berries.
Cherry tomatoes: Add a savory element and firm texture that pairs well with the fruit.
Green ice lettuce: Gives a crisp, refreshing base that supports the other flavors.
Fresh mozzarella ball: Offers creaminess and mild flavor that ties the sweet and savory notes together.
Fresh basil leaves: Add a fragrant, herbal note that lifts the salad and makes it feel fresh.

Vinaigrette Dressing:

Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth base that coats the ingredients.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings tangy sweetness that complements both the berries and tomatoes.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the fruit.
Ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth to the salad.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

A small glass bowl contains a mixture of dark liquid and cracked black pepper on a light countertop, with a plate of fresh raspberries and greens partly visible in the background.

In a small bowl, pour oil and balsamic vinegar, season with salt, and black pepper. Whisk together and set aside.

A white bowl filled with fresh green leaf lettuce sits on a white surface next to a red and white checkered cloth.

Place the lettuce at the bottom of a shallow bowl. Top with blackberries, raspberries, blueberries,

A white bowl filled with green leaf lettuce, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries sits on a white surface next to a red and white checked cloth.

Add blackberries, raspberries, blueberries

A white bowl containing salad with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and leafy greens. A red and white checkered cloth is nearby.

Add in halved tomatoes and mozzarella.

A bowl of salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and basil, with dressing being poured on top; a bowl of dressing and a red cloth are nearby.

Add fresh basil and drizzle with the balsamic glaze dressing.

A white bowl filled with cherry tomatoes, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, mozzarella chunks, and leafy greens with a fork, set on a white surface next to a red checkered cloth.

Gently toss the ingredients and enjoy immediately.

Hint: pat the berries dry before adding them in. Extra moisture can water down the dressing and make the greens soggy, so keeping everything as dry as possible helps the flavors stay bold and fresh. You'll get the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy without the salad turning limp.

Variations

Here are some easy ways to customize the mixed berry caprese salad recipe:

Swap the greens: Use arugula or spinach instead of lettuce for a peppery or tender base.
Change the cheese: Try burrata for extra creaminess or feta for a salty kick.
Add nuts or seeds: Toss in toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Try different fruit: Strawberries or pomegranate seeds work well if you don't have all the berries.
Boost the protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto to make it a fuller meal.
Play with dressing: A drizzle of honey, lemon juice, or flavored balsamic can change the flavor profile. A hot honey dressing is a great option!

A bowl of salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mozzarella cheese, with a small dish of dark dressing in the background.

Tips

Top tip: Use ripe berries and tomatoes. Fresh, sweet fruit balances the tang of the balsamic and the creaminess of the mozzarella.

Pat the mozzarella cheese dry: This keeps the salad from getting watery and helps the dressing stick better.
Layer, don't toss: Arrange the ingredients gently so the berries and cheese hold their shape and the salad looks fresh.
Add dressing just before serving: This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps everything crisp.
Chill the ingredients: Serving the salad cold makes it refreshing and brings out the flavor contrast.

A salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and pieces of mozzarella cheese, with a spoon in the bowl.

Serving suggestions

This summer salad works beautifully as a starter when you want something light and refreshing to open a meal. It pairs especially well with grilled chicken or fish when you're looking to keep dinner simple but still full of flavor.

You can also serve this salad as a side dish at summer gatherings and patriotic celebrations like 4th of July or Memorial Day. It's great for a weekend brunch spread, too. It holds up nicely alongside grilled meats, quiches, or even a charcuterie board, adding a bright and fresh note to heavier dishes.

For something a little different, the summertime salad can even stand on its own as a light lunch. Add some air fryer garlic bread on the side, or spoon the salad over a bed of additional greens to make it more filling.

Storage

The best way to store a berry salad is to keep the components separate until you're ready to serve. The berries, tomatoes, and greens can be washed and stored in airtight containers in the fridge, while the mozzarella should be kept in its liquid or in a sealed container to stay fresh. Mixing everything too early will cause the berries and greens to release liquid, which makes the salad soggy.

If you've already dressed the salad, it's best enjoyed within a few hours. The balsamic dressing will wilt the lettuce and soften the berries quickly, so storing leftovers won't keep the same crisp texture. If you know you'll want to save some, keep the dressing in a small jar on the side and drizzle it over individual servings instead of the whole bowl.

FAQs

Can I make the caprese salad ahead of time?

It's best to prep the ingredients ahead but assemble the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

What can I use instead of fresh mozzarella?

Burrata, feta, or goat cheese can be used for a different flavor while still pairing well with the berries and tomatoes.

How long does salad last in the fridge?

Once dressed, it should be eaten within a few hours, but undressed components can be stored separately for up to 2 days.

Eat at Home and Save!

Sign up to get recipes and tips to make cooking for one or two easy. You'll also have access to money saving deals and offers.