Peach Caprese Salad Recipe

Every summer, I count down the days until peaches hit their prime—because that means one thing: it’s time for Peach Caprese Salad. This vibrant twist on the classic Caprese brings sweet, juicy peaches together with creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a dreamy balsamic glaze. The result? A show-stopping salad that’s equal parts fresh, simple, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a picnic basket, or just craving a fast but elegant side, this Peach Caprese Salad always brings a bit of warm-weather magic to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Peach Caprese Salad truly shine are the humble ingredients that come together to create a melody of flavors and textures. Each one is essential, adding its own signature taste, color, or finish to the dish—so don’t skimp or substitute if you can help it!

• Balsamic vinegar: The rich, tangy base for your glaze, it adds a deep flavor that balances peachy sweetness.
• Honey: Just a touch helps mellow the balsamic and boosts the glaze’s lovely sheen.
• Fresh peaches: Firm and ripe peaches bring juicy sweetness and gorgeous color—choose your favorites!
• Fresh mozzarella: Creamy and mild, mozzarella pulls everything together for that classic Caprese experience.
• Fresh basil: Each bright green leaf is a pop of summery freshness and irresistible aroma.
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasonings, but so important for adding that final savory touch.

How to Make Peach Caprese Salad

Step 1: Create the Balsamic Glaze

Start by adding ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon honey to a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium until it just starts to boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer, stirring often. After 10 to 15 minutes, your glaze should look syrupy and be reduced by half—or even a little more. Pour the glaze into a bowl and pop it in the fridge to cool down faster. A thick, glossy glaze is the secret touch for your Peach Caprese Salad!

Step 2: Slice Your Peaches and Mozzarella

While your glaze chills, it’s time to prep the main stars. If you’re after perfect mozzarella slices, place your cheese ball in the freezer for a few minutes while slicing the peaches—this helps get those lovely, clean slices. Halve your peaches, remove the pits, then quarter and halve each piece so you end up with eight juicy slices per peach. Peel them only if you want; the skin adds color and texture. For the cheese, cut the mozzarella ball in half, turn the cut side down, and slice each half into eight thin pieces. Tear those fresh basil leaves from the stems and you’re all set!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Ready for some kitchen art? On a large serving plate, arrange your peach slices, mozzarella, and basil in an alternating, circular pattern—peach, mozzarella, basil, and so on. This is where you can really play with the look—make it as neat or rustic as you like! Keep layering until you’re out of ingredients (or the plate can’t hold any more).

Step 4: Season and Finish

Just before serving, dust your Peach Caprese Salad with flaky sea salt and a bit of freshly cracked black pepper. Then, grab your cooled balsamic glaze and drizzle it with abandon! Those last touches really make the flavors pop and tie everything together beautifully.

How to Serve Peach Caprese Salad

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Top your Peach Caprese Salad with extra basil leaves or even a fresh grind of lemon zest if you want to brighten it up further. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top makes everything taste just a bit more luxurious.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with so many things—think char-grilled bread for soaking up extra glaze, a crisp white wine, or even a simple bowl of chilled soup. It’s also lovely as part of a summer antipasto spread with olives and cured meats (just keep the salad separate if you want to keep it vegetarian).

Creative Ways to Present

Planning a party? Serve your Peach Caprese Salad in small jars or cup-sized portions for a fun appetizer. Want to wow at a brunch? Layer the components in a tall glass for a trifle-style look. Or, stack alternating slices on skewers for a backyard BBQ-friendly take that’s finger-food ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Peach Caprese Salad (which is rare in my house!), loosely cover it and refrigerate for up to a day. The peaches may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delightful.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended—mozzarella and fresh peaches both suffer in texture when thawed. This salad is all about fresh, juicy crispness, so it’s best enjoyed soon after it’s made.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Peach Caprese Salad; it’s meant to be served cool or at room temperature. If it’s been chilled for storage, just let it sit out for a bit to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for a Caprese, you can use burrata for extra creaminess or even fresh goat cheese for tang. Just avoid anything too salty or hard—the magic of Peach Caprese Salad is all in creamy, soft textures.

Do I need to peel the peaches?

Not at all! Peach skin adds a lovely color and a little extra fiber. If your peaches are very fuzzy or you just prefer it, go ahead and peel them, but it’s totally optional.

I’m not a fan of balsamic glaze—what can I use instead?

Try the quick lemon dressing! Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of minced basil for a zesty, lighter finish that still pairs beautifully with the peaches and cheese.

Can I make Peach Caprese Salad ahead of time?

You can prep most ingredients a few hours ahead—just assemble right before serving for the freshest result. If making in advance, keep the glaze and basil separate, and add them at the last moment.

What’s the best way to slice the mozzarella?

Chilling the ball of mozzarella in the freezer for five to ten minutes is my secret for those picture-perfect slices—this simple step prevents squishing and gives you neat, even rounds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating peach season or just looking for an easy-but-impressive starter, Peach Caprese Salad is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!

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