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The mix of fresh tomatoes, juicy blueberries, and creamy mozzarella makes this berry Caprese Salad a crowd favorite every single time. This recipe is the perfect red, white, and blue appetizer or side dish. It’s light, fresh, and festive.
“This recipe is delicious, and it’s also fun and festive!”
-Becky
The colors and design of this salad are so fun for backyard BBQs, picnics, or summer gatherings. With a drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of basil, it’s a perfect summer salad to share when celebrating a patriotic holiday like the 4th of July or Memorial Day.
And if you’re planning a full menu, pair this with other summer favorites, like my sweet and savory Chicken Salad with Grapes, smoky and irresistible Smoked Jalapeño Poppers, or tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Ribs. You can even finish things off with a refreshing Shirley Temple Drink for a fun and fizzy way to toast the holiday. It’s everything you need for a fun and flavorful celebration!
Ingredients You Will Need
- Cherry tomatoes – Halved for a pop of juicy red flavor.
- Fresh blueberries – A fun and unexpected twist for the blue element.
- Mozzarella cheese – Use block-style mozzarella to cut into festive star shapes.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup) – Torn and sprinkled for a bright, herby finish.
- Balsamic vinegar (3 tablespoons) – Adds a rich, tangy note to balance the sweetness of the fruit.
- 1″–1.5″ star cookie cutter – Grab one here to make those mozzarella stars pop!
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Variations
- Add other berries: Fresh strawberries and watermelon are great additions to add for extra color and flavor!
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Swap out the vinegar for a glaze, or use honey for a sweeter finish.
How to Make Blueberry Berry Caprese Salad
Rinse and pat dry the cherry tomatoes and blueberries. If you’re prepping ahead for a party, this is a great time to also wash produce for other dishes like our fresh and fruity Lemon Blueberry Cookies.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a serving dish. Toss in the blueberries and gently mix. This red and blue base sets the stage for a patriotic dish.
- Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle over the tomato and blueberry mixture. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss everything to combine.
- Slice the mozzarella into ¼- to ½-inch thick slabs. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut festive mozzarella stars. This is a fun step to do with kids while you’re waiting on other dishes, like my family friendly Virgin Pina Colada Recipe to chill in the fridge.
- Arrange the mozzarella stars over the top of the salad and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Use firm and fresh mozzarella cheese: It holds its shape better when cut with the star cookie cutter.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the salad (without the cheese) a few hours in advance and add the stars just before serving.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: The juicier and sweeter, the better the flavor.
- Basil tip: Tear instead of chop to keep it looking fresh and prevent bruising.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes! You can prep the tomato, blueberry, and basil mixture a few hours in advance. Add the mozzarella stars just before serving. It’s the same kind of make ahead magic that makes our Coconut Delight such a perfect dessert for summer parties because it’s easy to chill in the refrigerator, then serve when you’re ready.
Block-style mozzarella is best for cutting shapes. Avoid pre-sliced or shredded for this recipe. The clean cuts are what make those stars pop.
Absolutely! Grape tomatoes work just as well and can be halved or quartered depending on size.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Berry Caprese Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Star Cutter
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the cherry tomatoes and blueberries.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a serving dish. Toss in the blueberries and gently mix.
- Tear the basil leaves and sprinkle over the tomato and blueberry mixture. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Add salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss everything to combine.
- Slice the mozzarella into ¼- to ½-inch thick slabs. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut festive mozzarella stars.
- Arrange the mozzarella stars over the top of the salad and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use firm and fresh mozzarella cheese: It holds its shape better when cut with the star cookie cutter.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the salad (without the cheese) a few hours in advance and add the stars just before serving.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: The juicier and sweeter, the better the flavor.
- Basil tip: Tear instead of chop to keep it looking fresh and prevent bruising.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love this recipe! Especially for 4th of July!