Fresh Nectarine Caprese Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Basil Mozzarella Delight
A quick and easy summer salad combining juicy nectarines, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium fresh nectarines, ripe but firm, sliced thinly
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional but recommended)
- Pinch of sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- Wash and dry the nectarines thoroughly. Slice them thinly, about 1/4 inch thick, keeping the slices uniform.
- Drain any excess liquid from the mozzarella and slice or tear into 3/4-inch pieces.
- Gently rinse the basil leaves and pat dry with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner.
- On a serving platter, alternate slices of nectarine and mozzarella in a single layer or overlapping circles. Scatter the fresh basil leaves evenly over the top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the arranged salad. If using balsamic glaze, drizzle that on instead or in addition.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top if desired.
- Serve immediately. The salad can be chilled for 10-15 minutes if preferred but is best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
Use ripe but firm nectarines to avoid mushiness. Slice ingredients uniformly for best texture and presentation. Pat basil and mozzarella dry to prevent sogginess. Assemble just before serving for freshness. Optional toppings like toasted nuts add crunch. Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: nectarine caprese salad, fresh basil mozzarella salad, summer salad, easy caprese recipe, balsamic glaze salad, fruit salad, vegetarian salad