Go Back
–+ servings
Arugula caprese salad on a white plate next to two forks, a white linen, and a small glass pitcher of balsamic glaze.

Caprese Salad with Arugula

This caprese salad with arugula has cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic reduction. It's a perfect summer salad you're going to love!
5 from 59 votes
Print Pin
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 119kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Salad

  • 4 cups baby arugula packed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
  • 8 ounces mozarella balls small
  • 20 basil leaves about 1 bunch, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or to taste, for drizzling
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste

Balsamic Reduction

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar or storebought balsamic glaze

Instructions

Balsamic Reduction

  • If making the balsamic reduction, place the balsamic vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring up to boil and then bring the heat down to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12 to 20 minutes, until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Salad

  • Arrange the arugula on a plate or in a bowl with the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and about 2 tablespoons of the balsamic reduction, or to taste.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes

General
  • Choose tomatoes that are fragrant near where the stem was attached. You'll want tomatoes that feel heavy and don't have blemishes and dark spots.
  • Use a good quality olive oil for the best-tasting salad.
  • Use a sharp knife when cutting the tomatoes to avoid smashing them.
  • Estimated calories are for a small side dish or appetizer-sized portion. Feel free to serve larger portions for a full meal.
Storage
  • It's best to make and serve this salad right away. If you have ingredients left over, I recommend storing the dressing and salad ingredients separately. 
  • I do not recommend freezing this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 579IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 1mg