Caprese Salad Recipe

I recently whipped up this Caprese Salad recipe, and I can’t stop thinking about it! It’s light, colorful, and packed with fruity, tangy goodness. The mix of mandarins, sweet oranges, and creamy mozzarella makes it feel fresh yet satisfying.

It reminded me of a summer breeze on a plate—and I love how easy it was to throw together. If you’re hunting for a mango salad recipe or something equally refreshing, you’ll want to try this!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I had so much fun making this, and along the way, I picked up a few handy tips to make it even better. These tweaks can help you customize the flavor and make your salad shine every single time.

• Use chilled ingredients: I found that cold fruit and cheese made the salad extra refreshing, especially in the summer heat.
• Don’t skip the balsamic glaze: It’s thick, slightly sweet, and ties all the flavors together—trust me, it’s worth it.
• Tear the basil instead of chopping: Tearing keeps the flavor stronger and gives a more rustic, natural look.
• Use a shallow serving platter: A wide, flat dish makes the colorful ingredients pop and helps everything get evenly coated.
• Serve immediately: The salad tastes best when it’s freshly assembled—don’t let it sit too long or the citrus can make it soggy.

Fun & Tasty Variations You Can Try

Looking to shake things up or adjust for dietary needs? Here are a few creative twists that still deliver delicious results. You can also explore other salad recipes using similar ingredients!

• Vegan Option: Swap out the mozzarella pearls for a plant-based version made from cashews or tofu.
• Add Protein: Want to make it a meal? Add grilled shrimp or sliced avocado for more substance.
• Sugar-Free Glaze: Use a sugar-free balsamic glaze or reduce balsamic vinegar on your own at home for a lighter finish.
• Add Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts can add a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
• Swap Fruits: If you’re out of citrus, try adding mango slices or juicy nectarines for a summer twist.

Equipment You’ll Need in the Kitchen

To keep the prep easy and quick, here’s the simple equipment I used and why it helps.

• Sharp knife – For slicing the citrus cleanly without mashing the flesh.
• Cutting board – A safe and clean surface to prep your fruits.
• Mixing bowl – To gently combine all ingredients without squishing the fruit.
• Serving platter – Best for displaying the vibrant salad beautifully.
• Measuring spoons – Helps control how much oil and balsamic glaze you drizzle.

How to Serve Citrus Caprese Salad for the Best Impression

Want to make your salad look as good as it tastes? Presentation matters, and I’ve found a few tricks that really elevate the dish. You can even pair it with a Turkey Salad Recipe for a well-rounded summer meal.

Start by layering the salad ingredients gently on a flat, white plate or shallow bowl. Spread the citrus, tomatoes, and mozzarella evenly, letting each ingredient peek through. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze right before serving, so everything stays fresh and vibrant. Garnish with whole basil leaves or a chiffonade for a pop of green.

This makes a great appetizer, side dish, or even a colorful topping for toasted bread. Want to impress guests? Serve it alongside grilled meats, or chill it and pair it with white wine.

How to Store Citrus Caprese Salad the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 1–2 days, but the citrus might release more juice, so drain if needed before serving again.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The fresh fruits and mozzarella lose texture when thawed.
• Reheating: No reheating needed! It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If refrigerated, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving again.

Why You’ll Love This Salad (Trust Me!)

There are so many reasons I’d recommend this recipe to anyone who loves bold, bright, and healthy dishes. Here’s why it’s one of my new go-to favorites:

• So Easy to Make
  No cooking, no hassle—just fresh ingredients and 10 minutes of prep!
• Loaded with Freshness
  The juicy citrus fruits and creamy mozzarella offer a balance of flavor and texture that’s hard to beat.
• Perfect for Any Diet
  Vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free, and easy to adapt for vegan diets too.
• Stunning on the Table
  The vibrant colors and simple garnishing make it look like a fancy restaurant dish.
• Great for Meal Pairing
  Whether you’re serving with meat, pasta, or other summer salad recipes, this one fits right in.

A Few More Things to Know Before You Start

If this is your first time making a Caprese-style salad with citrus, here are some extra tips and fun facts:

• Use fresh citrus only: Canned or pre-cut fruits don’t offer the same flavor or texture.
• Mozzarella pearls work best: They’re bite-sized, soft, and perfect for mixing.
• Make it ahead—but not too far ahead: You can prep ingredients a few hours early, but assemble it just before serving for the best texture.
• Olive oil matters: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil truly enhances the flavor—skip the cheap stuff here!

Nancy

Caprese Salad Recipe

This refreshing twist on a classic Caprese salad adds juicy citrus fruits for a sweet, tangy upgrade. The combo of mandarins, navels, and Cara Cara oranges brings vibrant color and flavor, perfectly balancing the creamy mozzarella and rich balsamic glaze. Ideal for summer gatherings, light lunches, or even an elegant starter, this salad delivers both freshness and flair with every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Salad

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved: Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best juicy crunch and color.
• 3 Poppies Mandarins peeled and diced: These are naturally sweet and add citrus brightness. Avoid canned mandarins for texture reasons.
• 1 Kings River Navel orange peeled and diced: Adds a juicy burst with a mild tang; peel cleanly to avoid bitterness.
• 1 Kings River Cara Cara orange peeled and diced: Cara Caras are slightly sweeter and pinker in tone—great for color contrast.
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls: Use fresh mozzarella not shredded or block cheese—it gives the salad a smooth, rich texture.
• 1 –2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Choose high-quality olive oil for the best flavor—don’t substitute with vegetable oil.
• 1 –2 tbsp balsamic glaze: Use glaze not vinegar; it’s thicker and provides a rich, sweet finish.
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a peppery, aromatic bite—tear leaves by hand for best texture.

Method

 

1. Begin by washing all your fruits and cherry tomatoes. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half for a burst of color and juice in each bite. Peel the mandarins, Cara Cara, and Navel oranges, then dice them into bite-sized pieces. Try to remove as much of the white pith as possible—it can add bitterness.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced citrus fruits, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Mix gently using a spoon or clean hands. Be careful not to mash the fruit—your goal is a soft mix where each flavor still stands out.
3. Transfer the salad to a serving platter, spreading it out for a nice color presentation. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, followed by the balsamic glaze. You can go light or generous depending on your taste. Finish with fresh basil leaves to bring the whole dish to life. Serve chilled for best flavor.