Strawberry & Mint Caprese Salad

Nothing tastes more like summer than fresh picked tomatoes and basil right from the garden. Add a little mozzarella, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and we have the classic Caprese Salad. 

Violet loves tomatoes fresh from the garden even if they are green!

I love caprese salad, but I get bored easily. Let's change things up!

For a twist on the classic caprese salad, we'll pair tomatoes and basil with sweet red strawberries, mint and mozzarella.

Fresh Ingredients all ready to go!

 Let's start with the classics to understand the basics. My basics, anyhow!

Classic Caprese Salad

I wish these were my home grown tomatoes, but alas they are from Costco. Mine made a short appearance at the beginning of the summer.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 medium or 1-2 large tomatoes (equal amounts tomatoes, mozzarella & basil)
• fresh mozzarella
• basil
• 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• salt & pepper

Directions: 

1. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Lay tomatoes, mozzarella and basil evenly alternating each one.
3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze on top.
4. Add salt & pepper to taste

Caprese Bruschetta

This is a great appetizer to serve to guests!

Ingredients:

• grape or cherry tomatoes (equal parts tomatoes to mozzarella)
• fresh mozzarella
• 2 tbsp basil
• 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus extra for baking baguette
• 1-2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• salt & pepper 
• baguette or your favorite crusty bread

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Slice baguette on the bias about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Drizzle baguette slices with olive oil and bake 7-10 minutes.
4. Slice tomatoes in half and cut mozzarella about equal size.
5. Chop Basil, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, and add salt & pepper to taste.
6. Combine tomato mixture.
7. Place a heaping amount of the tomato mixture on baguette slices.
8. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Strawberry & Mint Caprese Salad

Gorgeous shades of red and yellow!

Ingredients:

• grape or cherry tomatoes (equal parts tomatoes, strawberries and mozzarella)
• strawberries
• fresh mozzarella
• 1-2 tbsp basil
• 1-2 tbsp mint
• 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• salt & pepper 
• baguette or your favorite crusty bread

Directions: 

1. Slice tomatoes in half, strawberries into quarters and cut mozzarella about equal size.
2. Julienne basil and mint.
3. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and add salt & pepper to taste.
4. Combine the above ingredients.
5. Drizze balsamic glaze before serving.

This recipe is quick and easy!

This Strawberry & Mint Caprese Salad is a perfect addition to any summer dinner!

I have to throw in another picture of my sweet girl!

One more!

Enjoy this summer salad!

Randee