Sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones, and this single-serving Caprese salad proves exactly that. I added some honey to really make the flavor pop! This perfectly portioned Caprese salad delivers all the fresh Italian flavors you crave without any waste.
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Traditional Caprese salads are designed for sharing, but this scaled-down version is ideal for solo dining. By using mini mozzarella balls (often called ciliegine or bocconcini), you get the perfect amount of creamy cheese without having to portion out a large ball. Tender, juicy tomatoes paired with soft mozzarella pearls and delicate basil leaves create a light but satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Olive Oil & Balsamic Glaze: You can also use your favorite vinaigrette dressing.
Mozzarella: use the small pearls, you can sometimes find these at your local grocers salad bar, and buy only the amount needed.
Tomato: Cherry or grape work well, but you can also use a sliced Roma. The most important part is to make sure the tomato is very ripe.
Quick Tip: Check the local salad bar first, you could get all the ingredients you need and in the exact amounts. If you choose you can also use a bottled dressing but the homemade version in this recipe is very good and easy to make.
Instructions
Make the dressing.
Mix the salad ingredients.
Add the dressing.
Mix. rest, serve.
Recipe Notes
- Since this salad has so few ingredients, quality matters. Look for cherry or grape tomatoes that give slightly when pressed and smell fragrant at the stem end. Under ripe tomatoes will be bland so skip the recipe unless you have perfectly ripe and flavorful tomatoes.
- Take your mozzarella out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before assembling the salad. Room-temperature mozzarella has better texture and more pronounced flavor.
- The salt bring out the tomato flavor and really makes a difference, also the balsamic glaze adds that classic flavor. Remember to season properly to avoid a bland salad.
- Letting the salad rest for at least 10 minutes improves flavor and creates a light natural sauce from the tomato juices.
- Avoid overdressing the salad since tomatoes release extra liquid as they sit.
- Serve within a few hours for the freshest texture and brightest basil flavor.
Customization Ideas
This basic recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil alongside the balsamic, or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Some people enjoy adding a few slices of avocado or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat..
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Caprese salad as a light lunch on its own, pair it with crusty bread and soup for a more substantial meal, or serve it as a starter before pasta or grilled chicken. It’s also perfect for outdoor dining on warm days when you want something refreshing that requires zero cooking.
Mozzarella Caprese Salad for One
Ingredients
Recipe Directions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and sliced basil to a medium serving bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so the tomatoes release some of their juices and the flavors have time to blend.
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Nutrition
Notes
Your Private Recipe Notes
Recipe Cost Estimate for Caprese Salad for One
Cost Estimate
| Ingredient | Quantity | Estimated Price | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry tomatoes | ½ cup | $3.49 per pint | $0.87 |
| Mini mozzarella balls | 6, halved | $4.99 per 8 oz container | $1.25 |
| Fresh basil | 4 leaves | $2.49 per bunch | $0.25 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon | $8.99 per bottle | $0.20 |
| Balsamic glaze | 1 teaspoon | $4.99 per bottle | $0.10 |
| Honey | 1 drizzle | $5.99 per bottle | $0.08 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2.75 |
Estimated cost per serving: $2.75
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