This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
Fresh, colorful and bursting with summer flavor, this blueberry tomato Caprese salad is a fun and fruity twist on the Italian classic. Juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet blueberries, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil come together with a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil for a refreshing salad that’s as vibrant as it is easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, BBQ or brunch, this dish is sure to stand out and add a creative spin to your summer menu or 4th of July celebrations!
This blueberry tomato Caprese salad combines sweet berries, juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a colorful summer salad with a flavorful balsamic finish.
If you love these flavors, also try burrata Caprese salad, sheet pan Caprese pizza, sheet pan chicken Caprese, or burrata stuffed tomatoes.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: Just toss the ingredients together in a large bowl and it’s ready to serve. There’s minimal prep time with this 4th of July celebration or Memorial Day salad!
Fresh and vibrant: Perfect for warm weather gatherings and light meals, this salad is a delicious choice.
Unexpected twist: Fresh blueberries add a sweet pop to this classic combination.
Beautiful presentation: A colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Naturally gluten-free: Suitable for those who don’t eat gluten.
Blueberry Caprese Salad Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they form the base of this summery salad.
Fresh blueberries: Add a pop of sweetness and color to balance the savory elements.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides tanginess and depth to the dressing.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and smooth texture to the summertime salad.
Fresh basil leaves: These deliver herbal notes and classic Caprese salad flavor.
Mozzarella pearls: Soft and creamy, perfect for bite-sized bursts of richness. You can buy mozzarella pears, buy fresh mozzarella and cut it into pieces or even make your own marinated mozzarella balls.
How to Make Red, White and Blue Caprese Salad
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Combine main ingredients: Add the halved tomatoes, blueberries, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves to a serving bowl.
Dress the salad: Pour in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Season and mix: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and then toss gently to coat everything evenly and serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
Cherry tomatoes: Substitute Roma tomato slices or even heirloom tomatoes for more color and a deeper tomato flavor.
Swap cheese: Try burrata or crumbled feta instead of mozzarella pearls. You could also cut a mozzarella log into bite size pieces if the pearls aren’t available, or use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make 4th of July themed mozzarella stars!
Add greens: Serve over arugula or baby spinach for a heartier version, or add cucumber slices.
Balsamic vinegar: A balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction could be used instead. Those are much thicker than balsamic vinegar though, so not as easy to combine with the ingredients. You could just add a drizzle on top of the finished salad for a pretty presentation.
Serving Suggestions
As an appetizer: Blueberry tomato Caprese salad makes a wonderful appetizer paired with bread or crostini.
As a main dish: Enjoy it with roasted chicken, a juicy tomahawk steak or Italian steak with salsa verde.
As part of a buffet spread: Pair it with fried deviled eggs, chicken mozzarella sticks or, for a 4th of July party, some of these red, white and blue dishes!
How to Store Caprese Salad with Blueberries
Store: Caprese salad is best served fresh, although you could refrigerate leftovers for up to a day if you have any.
Freeze: This isn’t a freeze-able recipe.
Top Tips
Use ripe produce: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and blueberries make the biggest impact.
Tear basil by hand: This keeps it from bruising and helps release its oils.
Serve chilled or at room temperature: Both bring out different flavor nuances.
Toss gently: This helps keep the blueberries and cheese intact.
Use high-quality oil and vinegar: They make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Blueberry Caprese Salad FAQs
Yes, but wait to add the basil until just before serving for the best texture.
No, they are the perfect size as is, but you can halve them if preferred.
Fresh basil is strongly recommended for both flavor and presentation.
Red, White and Blue Caprese Salad Recipe
Blueberry Tomato Caprese
Ingredients
- 2 Pints cherry tomatoes, fresh, sliced in half
- 1 Pint blueberries, fresh
- 2 ½ Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 ½ Tablespoons olive oil, extra-virgin
- ⅓ Cup basil, fresh, leaves only
- 8 Ounces fresh mozzarella, pearls, drained
- salt and black pepper, to taste, optional
Instructions
- Add the tomatoes, blueberries, mozzarella, and basil to a large bowl.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Grind in some salt and black pepper, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.
Notes
Tear basil by hand: This keeps it from bruising and helps release its oils.
Serve chilled or at room temperature: Both bring out different flavor nuances.
Toss gently: This helps keep the blueberries and cheese intact.
Use high-quality oil and vinegar: They make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Nutrition
The blueberry tomato Caprese salad is a perfect way to celebrate seasonal produce with minimal effort. Its combination of sweet, juicy fruit, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil makes each bite feel bright and balanced. Whether you serve it as a side, a starter or a light lunch, this salad is sure to please both Caprese lovers and those looking for something a little different. Add it to your warm-weather recipe rotation and enjoy the freshness it brings. You’ll be eating Caprese non stop this summer!
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I never thought blueberries would work so well in a Caprese salad but they absolutely do!
I wasn’t sure about blueberries in a Caprese salad, but wow—it just works! So refreshing and colorful.