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Strawberry Caprese Salad with Walnuts

Strawberry Caprese Salad with Walnuts

Strawberry Caprese Salad with Walnuts is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Combining sweet, juicy strawberries, creamy fresh mozzarella, and crunchy toasted walnuts, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Enhanced with fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic glaze, it’s a quick, light, and healthy dish perfect for warm days, appetizers, or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Produce

  • 1 pint fresh ripe strawberries, washed and sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves, about a handful

Dairy

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls or sliced mozzarella

Nuts

  • ½ cup walnuts, toasted

Dressings & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and gently pat dry your strawberries. Slice them into even, thin pieces to maintain a balance of sweetness throughout the salad.
  2. Slice the Mozzarella: Cut fresh mozzarella into bite-sized rounds or small chunks, ensuring each piece is creamy and soft to complement the strawberries.
  3. Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, enhancing their crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  4. Assemble the Salad: On a large serving plate or bowl, arrange the strawberry slices and mozzarella alternately. Scatter toasted walnuts evenly over the top, and tuck fresh basil leaves throughout.
  5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze generously over the salad. Finish by seasoning with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring all flavors together.

Notes

  • Choose ripe but firm strawberries to avoid sogginess.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best creamy texture.
  • Toast walnuts carefully to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
  • Adjust balsamic glaze and olive oil quantity to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry caprese salad, walnut salad, fresh mozzarella salad, summer appetizer, gluten free salad, balsamic glaze salad