Chopped Caprese Salad

I make this Caprese Salad Recipe as soon as tomatoes start tasting ripe, juicy, and like summer. This chopped version is my favorite when I want all those classic Caprese flavors, but in a bowl that’s easier to scoop, share, and serve with grilled dinners.

Everything gets cut into bite-sized pieces, so every forkful has sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, good olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. It’s simple in the way summer food should be simple, with fresh ingredients doing most of the work.

This is one of the best salad recipes for summer dinners, easy entertaining, and bringing to a 4th of July cookout when you need something fresh next to all the grilled food!

Before You Get Started

A few small ingredient choices make this caprese chopped salad taste fresher and look better.

• Tomato choice: Cherry tomatoes are easy to chop and hold their shape well, but grape tomatoes or chopped ripe summer tomatoes also work.
• Mozzarella size: Use small fresh mozzarella balls if you can, then cut them into quarters so they match the tomatoes. Any fresh mozzarella works as long as the pieces are bite-sized.
• Good olive oil: Since there are only a few ingredients, use an olive oil you like the taste of. This is one of those recipes where the oil really comes through.
• Balsamic glaze: Use thick balsamic glaze, not regular balsamic vinegar, so the salad gets that sweet-tangy finish without becoming watery.

How to Make This Easy Caprese Salad

This salad is all about chopping everything evenly and seasoning it well.

1. Chop The Tomatoes And Mozzarella

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. Chop the fresh mozzarella into pieces that are similar in size so the salad is easy to scoop and eat.

Pro tip: If the tomatoes are extra juicy, let them sit on the cutting board for a minute and leave behind some of the excess liquid before adding them to the bowl.

2. Slice The Basil

Stack several basil leaves together, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin ribbons. This gives you basil throughout the salad without big leaves taking over each bite.

Pro tip: Slice basil right before assembling so it stays green and fresh. Basil can darken once it’s cut and exposed to air.

3. Dress The Salad

Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic glaze, kosher salt or sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

4. Toss And Serve

Gently toss until everything is coated. Taste and add more salt, pepper, olive oil, or balsamic glaze if needed. Serve right away for the freshest texture.

Pro tip: Use a wide bowl or shallow platter if serving this for a party so the tomatoes and mozzarella don’t get crushed.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

These easy tips help you get the best flavor and texture from a simple Caprese salad recipe.

• Match the sizes: Keep the tomatoes and mozzarella close in size so every bite has a good balance of juicy, creamy, and fresh.
• Add pesto: A dollop of Skinny Pesto adds even more punchy, garlicky flavor to this salad!
• Use room temperature tomatoes: Cold tomatoes can taste muted, so let them sit out for a bit before chopping if they’ve been in the fridge.
• Add arugula: A handful of arugula turns this into more of a leafy salad and adds a peppery bite that works well with the balsamic glaze.
• Try hot honey: A small drizzle of hot honey is really good here if you want a sweet-heat finish with the mozzarella and basil.
• Add crunch: Toasted pine nuts, pistachios, or homemade croutons add texture if you’re serving this as part of a bigger salad spread.
• Make it more filling: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, white beans, or cooked pasta if you want to turn it into a lunch or light dinner. I love adding this Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken for a full tomato, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic dinner!

Serving Ideas

This chopped Caprese salad is an easy summer side for grilled mains, pasta dinners, and party spreads.

• With grilled chicken: Pair it with Best Grilled Chicken Thighs or Easy Balsamic Grilled Chicken for a simple summer plate.
• With shrimp: Add Garlic Grilled Shrimp for a fast dinner with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and garlicky shrimp.
• With steak: Serve it with Blackened Steak when you want a fresh side that can stand up to bold seasoning.
• With grilled vegetables: Add Easy Grilled Vegetables or Grilled Peppers for a colorful summer spread.

Storage & Reheating

This salad is best fresh, but you can store leftovers with a few texture expectations.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes will release juice as they sit.
• Leftovers: Spoon leftovers over greens, grilled chicken, pasta, toast, or grain bowls. Drain off extra liquid first if needed! I've also made a Caprese Flatbread whenever I have some Two Ingredient Pizza Dough I need to use up.