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This Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes is a quick and easy 5-minute summer appetizer for the 4th of July, made with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, and festive red, white, and blue touches.
The easiest 4th of July salad I’ve ever made!
Red, white & blue… I have a treat for YOU! This is honestly the easiest 4th of July salad I’ve ever made, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I was talking to the camera while putting it together without messing anything up, which is basically a kitchen miracle for me.
This caprese salad ran out the SAME day I made it for me… I mean, our family. And it was partially my fault… because I had 2 1/2 bowls full!
So, If you’re serving a crowd, trust me, don’t hesitate to double or triple it.
I used cherry tomatoes and fresh basil from our garden, which always makes a difference.
The mozzarella stars were a small extra step with a cookie cutter, but they completely changed how the kids reacted. My daughter called it the “star salad” before even tasting it.
Don’t assemble it too early
One thing I’ve learned the “slightly messy way” is not to assemble it too early. I tried that once, and it just didn’t have that fresh, just-put-it-together look when it hit the table. Now I prep everything ahead and build it right before serving. It looks so much better this way.
Quick & Easy Recipe for Summer Parties
This easy summer salad has become one of those delicious recipes I can count on to impress a crowd for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any last-minute get-together. It’s simple, colorful, and always the first thing people notice on the table.
And of course, if you’re looking for more patriotic recipes, I got you! Don’t miss my 4th of July Fruit Tray & this American Flag Caprese Board too!
As always, I’m always cheering you on to make these little kitchen moments that turn into the memories everyone ends up talking about later.
Ingredients You Need
Blueberries
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Marinated mozzarella balls, drained
Fresh mozzarella log, sliced and cut into stars
Fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
How to Make Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
1. Mix Everything
Add the cherry tomatoes, blueberries, basil, and drained marinated mozzarella to a large bowl and give it a gentle toss. It already looks so pretty and colorful!
2. Make the Mozzarella Stars
Slice the fresh mozzarella log and cut out small stars using a star cookie cutter. I love this step because it instantly makes everything feel more festive.
3. Assemble the Salad
Spoon the salad onto a serving platter and spread it out a bit so all the colors show. It already looks so good, even before the toppings!
4. Finish and Serve
Top with the mozzarella stars, drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette, and add fresh basil on top. Serve right away and watch it disappear fast at the table!
Tips for the Best Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
🩷I always make more than I think I need. Every single time I think it’s enough… and every single time I wish I doubled it.
🩷Use sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes if you can. They really are the star here… no pun intended This recipe just hits differently when tomatoes are in their summer prime.
🩷Fresh basil makes a big difference. I’m obsessed with it in this. If you can grab it fresh, especially from the garden, do it.
🩷For parties, I love prepping everything ahead of time. Then I just toss it together when guests arrive. It makes things feel easy and put-together at the same time.
What to Serve with This 4th of July Salad
I love this part because this Caprese salad honestly goes with everything. It just fits right in at any summer food table without trying too hard.
It pairs perfectly with:
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Grilled chicken
- Pasta salad
- Corn on the cob
- Other classic BBQ favorites
I also love serving it as a fresh little starter before the main meal. It kind of wakes everything up on the table in the best way and makes the whole spread feel more summery right away.
And at parties, I usually tuck it in with fruit trays and easy snacky finger foods. People just grab bites while they’re chatting, and it always seems to disappear right along with everything else.
Storage Tips for Caprese Salad
Okay, so this is definitely one of those “best fresh” recipes. I mean… it’s really at its happiest right after you make it.
🩷If you do have leftovers (rare, but it happens LOL), just pop them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days max.
🩷Keep the balsamic dressing separate and add it right before eating again. It makes it feel fresh all over again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! I do this all the time. Just prep everything and assemble it right before serving so it still feels fresh and bright.
This is my go-to star cookie cutter.
Fresh mozzarella is my go-to here, either sliced or in pearls. And if you’re doing the fun star shape… it’s honestly so cute every time.
Yes, totally. I use whatever looks best at the store that day.
Oh absolutely. This is one of those “set it down and it’s gone before you know it” kind of dishes.
For sure! I’ve added avocado and even a little pesto drizzle before and loved it. It’s super flexible like that.
Watch me Make this 4th of July Appetizer
Patriotic Red White & Blue Caprese Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 12 ounce tub marinated mozzarella balls in oil, drained
- 8 ounce log fresh mozzarella, sliced and cut into stars
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 4 tbsp Wish Bone balsamic vinaigrette dressing, plus more for garnish
- salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients besides the fresh mozzarella. Note: make sure to drain the oil from the marinated mozzarella balls.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella log. Use a star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes.
- Add the salad to a serving plate and top with the mozzarella stars. Drizzle with additional balsamic vinaigrette and garnish with fresh basil. Add additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
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