Caprese salads spell S-U-M-M-E-R. Not literally, of course! Fresh hand-picked basil and tomatoes from the garden, and morsels of mozzarella cheese make this Italian-inspired dish a light and refreshing, yet satisfying summer meal.
My love for mozzarella di bufala all started in Molise years ago, when my husband’s relatives introduced me to REAL mozzarella, not the shredded, over-processed stuff. Despite my poor, distressed stomach and sinus issues (thanks to a mild dairy intolerance) I literally devoured fresh mozzarella di bufala EVERY single day.
Fast forward to the present, and my love for mozzarella is still going strong-even though I rarely eat it. Despite the fact that I have avoided consuming most dairy products for over 10 years, I still cannot help but steal a morsel of creamy mozzarella whenever I prepare this salad for my family.
This recipe is a twist on Insalata di Riso, and of course a traditional caprese salad, since I’ve combined the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, with arborio rice and creamy avocados-why not add an extra dose of healthy fats to one’s diet, right?
This salad is best served chilled-but not too cold, otherwise the flavours won’t come through. Mind you, I kept piling spoonfuls in my mouth while preparing this-even though the rice was still warm, and is was equally delicious!
Although this salad is delicious as is, the balsamic vinegar reduction is the cherry on top. It adds a sweet, tangy flavour and pairs wonderfully with this salad, heightening the delicate flavours of the fresh ingredients.
If you’re running low on time, or don’t feel confident enough to prepare the balsamic reduction (which really isn’t that difficult at all) you can serve this caprese salad with a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing, or your favourite balsamic-based vinaigrette.
If you love caprese flavours, you’ll love these recipes too;
Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Eggplant Rolls
Caprese Pasta
Pesto Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pesto Caprese Quinoa Salad
If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!
I just found this recipe from the link you put on the Caprese Avocado Toast recipe on theKitchn.com. This looks wonderful and I’d like to try it with the balsamic reduction that I’ve never tried before. But looking at the recipe, it says to boil the vinegar and honey together, but the ingredient list doesn’t state how much honey to use. No other comments above have mentioned this, but I have looked at the recipe 3 times now and just can’t find it! For someone who really has no idea how much honey to use, could you please include that? Thanks.
Hi Amy! Thanks so much for visiting! Don’t know how I missed that…I just added it to the ingredient list! Let me know how the recipe turns out for you!
I love love love Caprese salad. This one looks so easy and flavorful.
That looks so delicious! I haven’t tried caprese salad before but It’s something I’ve been meaning to. I’ll have to try your recipe.
It is THE best salad ever…and so simple to prepare!
Now this is something unique. I’ve never though of combining rice and avocado in one plate — more so for a salad! But I think it will work. Thank you for sharing!
It definitely works! I always add avocado to rice dishes-either sliced or mashed into the rice.
Yummmmmm! I love how simple it is to make as well! Can’t wait to try this out with the fam!
Now this looks like an amazing dish! I’m pretty sure that I could eat this on a regular basis and never grow tired of it. I love all things avocado, anyway, and this looks absolutely flavorful. So simple, too, which has to be my favorite part!
You’ve got my attention – anything with Caprese in the title equates to deliciousness. And I love rice so I think this is definitely a winning combination.
I agree!
This could be my every day meal. The salad really looks delicious and healthy. Growing up in asian country rice is always serve in our table. I know its carbs but I can’t live without it. I will definitely added it to our menu for family get together this coming weekend.
Yes, rice is carbs however, it’s all about moderation! You could always switch up the ratios so there is less rice, and more of the other good stuff 😉
Not only does this salad look so good to eat but it is so pretty I would have to snap a pic and share it on Instagram. Of course I will tag you when I do, this looks amazing. I love all of the colors and variety. Thanks for sharing!
Please do! Thanks!
During the summer, I try to eat salads at least once per day. I can have a salad for lunch every day of the week and be happy. This recipe looks and sounds so delicious. I love having avocado in my salads!
I sometimes have salads for lunch and dinner during the summer. I do like to alternate between lettuce-based and grain-based salads.
This caprese avocado rice salad with balsamic reductions looks amazing! It is perfect for summer lunches! I am going to have to give this a try. Anything with caprese and balsamic and you have me at hello!
This looks AMAZING!!!! I love caprese salad and all versions of it, it’s so yummy and so great for all different meals! Mozzarella and tomato is my favorite mix – it’s so yummy and I’m very Italian so it’s something we have often! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Mozzarella and tomatoes are a match made in heaven!
This salad looks and sounds delicious. Something our teenage daughter would really enjoy. She loves to spend time cooking, and mixing flavors like this. Though, she is vegan, so she would have replace the cheese. But I bet it would still be fantastic.
She could simply omit it…it would still be delicious!
That salad looks insanely amazing! I love the balsamic choice, it just looks like the perfect refreshing summer salad
I have heard of balsamic reduction but honestly didn’t know what it was. Thanks for the education! I personally love ranch dressing, but need to eat less of it. I’ll have to give yours a try.
No problem. It’s really nothing fancy at all!
I love, love this dish! I love that it simple and that it is easy to make. This could also be made ahead of time for like a dinner party.
Exactly! It’s perfect for a bbq or for a picnic lunch.
This salad sounds incredible! Like you, I fell in love with real fresh mozzarella while in Italy. (How I’d loooove to go back!) I love everything about this salad and am hoping the basil in my garden pops up soon. Never have tried rice salads, but with all the yummy goodness in this, you certainly couldn’t go wrong!
Whereabouts did you do in Italy?
You recipe looks so good. I’ve been looking for a recipe to create for rice. I like your idea and like how you picked the ingredients. It’s not hard to make. Thanks for your recipe.
This is such a delicious looking dish, so nutritious and flavourful too. I am not big on any sort of cheese, the texture of it puts me off but I can eat melted cheese funny enough.
Have you ever tried REAL mozzarella cheese?? It is to die for!
This looks so perfect and refreshing for lunch on a hot summer day. You’ve combined so many of my favorite things! I haven’t cooked with arborio rice before. I love that it can be put in the fridge for a few days, though. Jasmine and other rices get so sticky and hard!
I agree…arborio maintains it’s bite, even after a few days.