Peach Caprese Salad featuring Balsamic Cherries
Difficulty: Easy
Serves: 4 to 6 people
Nutrition Info Per Serving (1 of 6 servings)
Calories 185
Total Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Carbs 20 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugars 16 g
Protein 8 g
Cholesterol 22 mg
Sodium 470 mg
Prep + Cook Time: 1 hour
Hands-On Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cherries (roughly 22 cherries), pitted and quartered
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for serving
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 5 ripe peaches
- One 6-ounce ball fresh mozzarella
- 12 fresh basil leaves, sliced into thin ribbons
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, toss together the cherries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, shallot, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Halve the peaches and remove the stones, then slice them lengthwise into thin pieces. Cut the mozzarella into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- On a large serving platter, arrange alternating layers of peach slices and mozzarella. Spoon the cherry mixture generously over the top, season lightly with salt, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle the basil ribbons evenly across the surface.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Imagine the juicy burst of summer peaches mingling with creamy mozzarella and a tantalizing balsamic cherry toppingthis twist on classic Caprese will transport you straight to sun-drenched Italian orchards. It's effortless elegance that wows at every bite, perfect for balmy evenings or lazy picnics. Let ripe peaches shine alongside fresh basil's herbaceous kiss, while marinated cherries deliver sweet-tangy magic that begs to be devoured[1][2][3].
With just 30 minutes hands-on, unleash peak-season magic: the balsamic cherries transform into a syrupy relish during their quick chill, balancing the fruit's floral sweetness with sophisticated depth[1][7].
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Choose ripe but firm peaches that yield gentlythey slice beautifully and burst with flavor. Swap in burrata for luxe creaminess or nectarines when cherries fade[1][3].
- Layer artfully on a wide platter: peaches for a stable base, mozzarella nestled in, cherries cascading over. Finish with flaky sea salt, fruity olive oil, and a pepper grind[3][4].
- Boost with red onion zing or prosciutto crunch, but keep it simple to let stars shine[3][6].
Perfect Pairings & Storage
Grill alongside chicken or fish, scoop with crusty bread, or savor solo. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and packed with fiber, healthy fats, and proteinit's your guilt-free summer star[original]. Refrigerate leftovers up to a day; best fresh when textures pop[2][3].
Serve chilled or room tempthis showstopper vanishes fast. Fire it up and capture summer's joy on a plate!
