A summer twist on a classic! This Cherry & Cherry Tomato Caprese hits all the summertime high notes. Perfectly sweet and savory and an ideal summer side dish for all those backyard barbecues and celebrations. Crunchy cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil and sweet dark cherries all combined with a quick balsamic glaze to tie it together. This side dish is stacked with flavor and easy to assemble which makes it the ideal side dish to bust out when entertaining or bringing along to a potluck. It’s bound to be a crowd pleaser!
The grocery list.
- balsamic vinegar — I have chosen to make my own balsamic glaze just using regular balsamic vinegar to eliminate too much added sweetness and to control the level of added sugar. If you would like to make this recipe even easier, swap out for your favorite readymade balsamic glaze!
- warm water — Warm water is used to help thin out the balsamic glaze. If you are using a readymade glaze, omit this warm water from the recipe.
- cherry tomatoes — Small, crisp and bright in flavor. Cherry tomatoes are the perfect tomato for this recipe not only because of their name and taste but for their size. They compliment the cherries and are perfect bite-size bites of tomato.
- flaky salt — Flaky salt are large salt crystals, different from table/kosher salt. These large salt crystals are ideal for salads like this not only because of the flavor they add but for the bits of crunch in each bite.
- cherries — Dark and sweet, these summer candies bring so much flavor to this classic dish without overpowering.
- Mozzarella pearls — Light in flavor and the perfect size for this toss-together side dish.
- Fresh Basil leaves — Fresh is best. There is no substitution for fresh herbs. Yes, you could use dried basil but I highly recommend seeking out fresh basil fo the best bite experience.
- honey — A little ones a long way! The honey is absolutely optional here but does a great justice to balancing out the flavors.
A summer twist on a classic.
This dish is classic. She’s like a 1964 Chevy Corvette in candy apple red. You really can’t go wrong with tomato, basil and mozzarella! Now, giving this classic an update with these fresh dark summer cherries brings it up to the progressive tastebuds of 2021. The cherries in this dish only elevate the flavors. They are not overly sweet or over-powering in flavor. They take nothing away from the traditional flavors we are used to. It’s almost as if cherries were meant to be a part of this very classic dish from the beginning.
Looking for more simple sides?
Here are a few to try:
SAUTÉED BRUSSELS & COTIJA CORN W. LIME CREMA
SIMPLE SIDE SALAD WITH LEMON-MAPLE VINAIGRETTE
SMOKED SUMMER SAUSAGE PASTA SALAD
Lastly, if you make this Cherry & Cherry Tomato Caprese recipe, be sure to leave a comment! Above all, I love to hear from ya’ll and do my best to respond to every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of your dayyyummm good recreations is my favorite!
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoon warm water
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon flaky salt
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 oz Mozzarella pearls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh Basil leaves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Heat a small pan over medium heat, add the balsamic and reduce the heat to simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce by half. Stir often to create a thick glaze. Allow the balsamic to cool for 5 minutes. It will continue to thicken and harden as it cools. Stir warm water into the glaze to slightly thin it out 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with flaky salt. Allow the tomatoes to sit for 2 minutes.
- To the tomatoes, add the cherries, mozzarella and basil, toss to combine.
- Drizzle the cherry & cherry tomato mix with 1-2 tablespoons of the balsamic glaze and teaspoon of honey. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutritional Information: serves 6 / 78 cals / 4g F / 7g C / 4g P
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoon warm water
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon flaky salt
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 oz Mozzarella pearls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh Basil leaves, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Heat a small pan over medium heat, add the balsamic and reduce the heat to simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce by half. Stir often to create a thick glaze. Allow the balsamic to cool for 5 minutes. It will continue to thicken and harden as it cools. Stir warm water into the glaze to slightly thin it out 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with flaky salt. Allow the tomatoes to sit for 2 minutes.
- To the tomatoes, add the cherries, mozzarella and basil, toss to combine.
- Drizzle the cherry & cherry tomato mix with 1-2 tablespoons of the balsamic glaze and teaspoon of honey. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutritional Information: serves 6 / 78 cals / 4g F / 7g C / 4g P