A Caprese Salad with Blueberries offers a fresh, fruity twist on the classic Italian favorite. With a simple two-ingredient balsamic vinaigrette, it’s quick to assemble and perfect for warm weather.
This bright Caprese Salad Recipe has become a staple at summer gatherings — especially for 4th of July parties — and it’s easy to see why. The combination of juicy tomatoes, sweet blueberries, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil is simple but incredibly satisfying.
Why You Must Make
- If you enjoy traditional Caprese, the addition of blueberries brings a bright, fruity contrast that elevates the flavors.
- It’s ideal for summer when fresh berries and tomatoes are at their peak.
- The salad is fast to prepare and works well for potlucks, picnics, and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredient Notes
- Kitchen Staples – Extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Aged balsamic vinegar – A sweet, syrupy aged balsamic adds depth and balances the blueberries. Use the best quality you can for the most flavor.
- Fresh blueberries – Rinse and pat dry so they don’t add excess water to the salad.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes – Halve them for easy eating and a nice texture contrast.
- Mini mozzarella balls – Drain well. Ciliegine (oval) or bocconcini are good alternatives; cut larger pieces into bite-sized cubes if needed.
Recipe Tips
- You can prep most ingredients in advance, but wait to add the basil and dressing until just before serving to preserve texture and color.
- Pro tip: Tear or chop basil right before tossing so it stays bright and doesn’t wilt or discolor.
- If you can’t find mini mozzarella, a larger ball of fresh mozzarella cut into cubes works well.
- For larger garden tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces and drain excess juice on paper towel or in a colander before adding to the salad.
How to Make
Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese means “from Capri,” referring to the Italian island off the coast of Naples. The classic salad originates from that region.
A traditional Caprese uses fresh tomato slices and fresh mozzarella, usually finished with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. This version adds blueberries for sweetness and color.
Caprese is often arranged as alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella on a plate or tray, drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and topped with fresh basil. For this blueberry variation, combine the ingredients in a bowl, add basil just before serving, and toss with vinaigrette.
More Tasty Salad Recipes
- Avocado Peach Salad
- Corn, Basil, and Tomato Salad
- Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
- Spinach, Almond, and Berries Salad
- Explore other favorite salad recipes for seasonal inspiration.
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Caprese Salad with Blueberries Recipe
10 minutes
10 minutes
4 servings
A tasty summer twist on the classic Caprese Salad with the addition of fresh blueberries.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad:
- 1–2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, drained and halved if desired
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
Instructions
- Whisk the olive oil into the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and blueberries in a salad bowl.
- Add torn or chopped basil just before serving.
- Toss gently with the vinaigrette and serve immediately.
Notes
If mini mozzarella balls aren’t available, cut a larger ball into bite-sized cubes. This salad is best eaten shortly after tossing with the dressing to keep the ingredients fresh. For a festive presentation, cut mozzarella into shapes for special occasions. Adapted from trusted home-cooking sources.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 252Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 365mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 11g
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For precise values, calculate using the exact products you use.
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