This easy Caprese salad with spinach is a fresh and flavorful side dish for summer! Made with delicious Caprese flavors of ripe and juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and balsamic vinaigrette, this healthy Caprese salad is an easy and quick recipe for summer BBQs, cookouts, potlucks, or a quick lunch.
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Lyndsey's Favorite Things About Spinach Caprese Salad
- Delicious flavor. Traditional Italian salad with delicious fresh basil flavor - just like our homemade basil pesto!
- Full of fiber.
- Easy summer side dish. This salad is the perfect side dish for summer BBQs and parties.
- Simple and fresh ingredients. It is the perfect light meal for summer dinners!
- Unique. A fun spin on traditional Caprese salad - just like our Caprese bow tie pasta salad.
- Uses up lots of cherry tomatoes. Just like our roasted cherry tomato pasta.
Ingredients Needed for Caprese Salad with Spinach
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Balsamic glaze: Balsamic vinegar may be substituted, but balsamic glaze is preferred. You can make balsamic reduction if you'd like!
- Cherry tomatoes: Either cherry, Roma tomatoes, or grape tomatoes may be used. Heirloom tomatoes are also great to use when in season.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to add enhanced flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Fresh baby spinach leaves or chopped spinach work best. Spinach is a delicious, healthy vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use avocado oil as a similar replacement.
- Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy mozzarella pearls make a nice presentation in this spinach caprese salad. You can also chop slices of buffalo mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces. Goat cheese or feta cheese also work as substitutes.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chop basil into long strips, also known as chiffonade basil. Dried basil is not recommended.
How to Make This Fresh Caprese Salad Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
- Combine the ingredients. Add all of the spinach Caprese salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- Add the vinaigrette. Drizzle the dressing ingredients across the salad bowl and gently toss to incorporate.
Recipe Variations
- Add healthy fats. Add sliced avocado (a great source of healthy fats!) to this Caprese salad with spinach.
- Give it some crunch. Add some chopped almonds, crunchy walnuts, or your favorite nuts.
- Add additional flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon juice or sprinkle chopped red onion over the top of the salad for more salad toppings with fresh flavor!
Tips for Making Spinach Caprese Salad
- Follow the recipe card with no substitutions for the best results.
- Serve it the day it is made. This salad is best served the day it is made. If they are leftovers, store the dressing separately from the undressed salad in an airtight container.
- Like baby spinach salad? Try our pesto orzo salad with spinach or our spinach quinoa salad.
Make Ahead
To make ahead, mix the mini mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing together up to one day in advance.
Add the spinach before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. If spinach is separate, the salad may be stored for up to 3 days.
How to Serve Spinach Caprese Salad
As an entrée salad. Serve this delicious summer salad along with your favorite grilled proteins. I recommend cooked chicken breasts, air fryer salmon, or easy grilled shrimp for an entree salad.
For a healthy lunch. This also works as an easy cold lunch for meal prep!
Serve it as a side dish. Bring this light and fresh summer potluck salad to your next family BBQ!
Recipe FAQs
Traditionally, Caprese salad consists of tomato slices, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella.
Both this salad and our Caprese pasta salad are different versions of the Italian classic salad.
If you like this Caprese spinach salad, you may also like our mozzarella bruschetta.
Caprese refers to the salad combination of fresh mozzarella, basil, and slices of tomato.
Burrata is a creamy cheese in the form of a ball. You can make Caprese salad with burrata if you desire.
To avoid soggy spinach, add the spinach right before serving. Avoid making the recipe ahead of time and serve it the day of.
Basil is a key component in Caprese salad. You can make this salad with spinach, but also include basil.
According to WebMD, spinach is a healthy vegetable with many health benefits. Adding it to Caprese salad makes the recipe even healthier.
A simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze creates a delicious and simple dressing that complements the Italian flavors of this recipe.
Other Fresh & Inspired Italian Dishes to Try!
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Fresh Caprese Salad with Spinach
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 4 leaves basil chiffonade
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- salt and pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon balsamic glaze more or less to taste
Instructions
- Combine cherry tomatoes, spinach, basil, and mozzarella cheese into a large salad bowl.1 cup cherry tomatoes, 4 cups baby spinach, 4 leaves basil, 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top of the salad and gently mix to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.salt and pepper, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Notes
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