This Fresh Watermelon Blueberry Caprese Salad is a colorful twist on the classic! Juicy watermelon combines with sweet blueberries and creamy mozzarella for a refreshing treat.
It’s a fun salad that’s as pretty as it is tasty. I love to serve it at summer picnics. It looks amazing on the table and tastes like a cool breeze! 🍉🫐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Watermelon: Use ripe watermelon for the best sweetness. If watermelon isn’t in season, cantaloupe is a great substitute to keep that juicy texture.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add a sweet burst. If you’re short on fresh ones, frozen blueberries will work fine; just let them thaw before mixing.
Cherry Tomatoes: I like cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and size. If you prefer, you can use diced regular tomatoes, but the presentation may differ.
Basil: Fresh basil gives a lovely aroma. You can swap it out for mint if you’re looking for a unique flavor twist.
Fresh Mozzarella: Use small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for easy eating. If you can’t find them, feta cheese crumbles can be a tasty alternative.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds a tangy sweetness. If you don’t have glaze, a little balsamic vinegar mixed with honey works well too.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Stays Fresh?
Keeping your salad fresh is important for the best taste. Here are a few tips:
- Prep all ingredients right before serving to keep them crisp.
- If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the balsamic glaze separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
- Mix gently when combining ingredients to keep mozzarella balls intact.
- Chill the dish for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors beautifully!
With these tips, you’ll have a stunning and fresh salad that will impress everyone at the table!
Fresh Watermelon Blueberry Caprese Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups watermelon, cut into cubes
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, just perfect for those hot summer days when you want something fresh and delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Produce:
Start by washing all your fresh ingredients. Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces, wash the blueberries and set them aside, quarter the cherry tomatoes, and roughly tear or chop the basil leaves. Having everything prepped before you start mixing is super helpful!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl or serving bowl, gently combine the watermelon cubes, blueberries, quartered cherry tomatoes, torn basil leaves, and mozzarella balls. This combination will create a vibrant and colorful salad.
3. Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the salad. If you enjoy a richer taste, you can pour in some extra virgin olive oil as well. This adds a nice flavor dimension to the salad!
4. Season the Salad:
Lightly season your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Just a pinch will enhance all the flavors beautifully.
5. Toss Gently:
With clean hands or a large spoon, toss everything together gently so you don’t break the mozzarella balls. You want to combine all those flavors without losing their beautiful shapes!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy this salad immediately as a refreshing side or main dish. If you have time, Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together even more!
Relish in this colorful, juicy, and delightful version of a Caprese salad, featuring bursts of blueberry sweetness and the refreshing taste of watermelon. Enjoy! 🍉🫐
FAQ for Fresh Watermelon Blueberry Caprese Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! While watermelon and blueberries are delicious, feel free to mix in other fruits like cantaloupe, strawberries, or kiwi for a new twist. Just keep the texture and sweetness in mind to balance the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the watermelon may release some water, so the salad may become a bit soggy. Adding fresh basil right before serving can help refresh its flavor!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance—just keep everything separate until you’re ready to serve. Toss the ingredients with the balsamic glaze and seasonings right before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, a simple combination of balsamic vinegar and a dash of honey or maple syrup can replicate that sweet tangy flavor. Just drizzle it over your salad before serving!
