Easy Spinach Caprese Salad With A Balsamic Vinaigrette

Nothing says summer like the vibrant colors of a caprese salad!

This Easy Spinach Caprese Salad makes mouthwatering bites from the juicy cherry tomatoes, tender baby spinach, creamy fresh mozzarella and a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

Caprese Salad Recipe

It’s a great side dish for Italian-inspired meals and works as a whole meal or a light lunch when paired with grilled chicken breasts.

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Why Make This Spinach Caprese Salad?

Texture and Color: Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crisp spinach come together on a bed of spinach to make every bite an experience.

Convenience: This salad is quick to prepare and easy to adapt. Feel free to add Roma tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or red tomatoes for variety. Pair with tear strips of ciabatta or season croutons with garlic powder for a fun twist.

Versatility: Serve this salad as a side dish with other Italian dishes, enjoy it as a light meal, or pair it with sheet-pan roasted chicken breasts for a whole meal. It shines with any pairing, from rough cubes of crusty bread to garden-fresh tomato slices.

Ingredients

Baby Spinach Leaves: Fresh spinach provides a nutrient-rich base for this bed of spinach, adding a mild, earthy flavor. It’s the ideal fresh ingredient to combine with other healthy ingredients, keeping things fresh and light.

Cherry Tomatoes, Halved: These little gems burst with sweetness and bring a pop of color to the dish. Halving them ensures their juicy flavors blend effortlessly with the other ingredients.

Bocconcini (or Baby Mozzarella Balls): Fresh mozzarella balls like bocconcini offer a creamy mozzarella texture essential to any traditional Italian salad. You can use larger mozzarella cheese pieces torn into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, goat cheese or sun-dried tomatoes can provide a unique twist.

Fresh Basil Leaves, Finely Chopped: Fresh basil has aromatic Italian flavors that elevate the salad, adding a sweet, peppery bite.

Vinaigrette - Extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, black pepper

For the Dressing

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is essential for this recipe. It brings a rich, fruity flavor that lightly coats each ingredient. High-quality olive oil enhances the taste without overpowering it and brings out the fresh flavors of the salad.

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: A sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper balances the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the ripe tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese. Adjust to taste.

Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice can add an extra tang and elevate the fresh flavors.

Oregano: Dried oregano for a little more fragrance and flavor.

Garlic: I like just one freshly minced garlic in this recipe.

For the full ingredient list check the recipe card below.

How to Make This Easy Spinach Caprese Salad?

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, baby spinach leaves, fresh mozzarella balls (or mozzarella pearls), and chopped basil leaves.

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These fresh ingredients create a beautiful blend of texture and color, making this traditional Caprese salad visually and tastefully pleasing.

2. Dress the Salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad ingredients, followed by kosher salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings as needed, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

3. Final Touch: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

This final flourish adds a tangy flavor to every bite and looks stunning on the top of the spinach.

Expert Tips!

Cherry tomato substitute: Although cherry tomatoes work best, you can use grape tomatoes or even garden tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. If you prefer a different tomato variety for a flavor-packed twist, feel free to experiment and explore different flavors.

Sea salt: Kosher salt is a good choice, but use sea salt for a slightly different finish.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two. Storing the dressing and salad separately will increase the salad’s life.

Serving Ideas For Spinach Caprese Salad

It's always best to serve this salad with as a side dish with a mains like this Pan Seared Steak, chicken, seafood or any protein main dish or pasta.

Variations

Caprese salad is authentically Italian cusine and is made with fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. However, you can change things up as we have with this spinach caprese salad.

Baby spinach: Other choices are rocket (also arugula), kale, a mix of herbs and salad greens and lettuce.

Dressing: Use your favorite salad dressing.

Cheese: If you need to swop the cheese you can use dairy-free cheese instead of mozzarella.

Any cheese works well with this spinach caprese salad - goat cheese, parmesan cubes or any other cheese that you may prefer.

Extra virgin olive oil: Feel free to use any other oil that you prefer like avocado oil and any salad oil.

FAQ's

Is spinach caprese salad healthy?

Yes, this is a healthy low-carb salad with a high protein cheese and veggies that are great for low a calorie choice.

Can this recipe be dairy-free?

Yes, and this recipe is not only gluten-free and vegan, you can also substitute the mozzarella balls for a non-dairy cheese option.

More Fresh Seasonal Salads?

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