Looking for a simple, show-stopping dish to add to your 4th of July menu? This 4th of July Caprese Salad is the answer! It's colorful, incredibly easy to throw together, and feels so fresh and light on a hot summer day.
With creamy bocconcini, juicy cherry tomatoes, bursts of blueberries, and fragrant basil, it captures the spirit of the holiday beautifully - and the best part? It comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients!
This festive salad will steal the show at any summer BBQ, picnic, or party. It's a little twist on the traditional Italian Caprese, but with a patriotic red, white, and blue spin that's too good (and too gorgeous) to pass up!
If you love easy crowd-pleasers like this, be sure to check out my Easy Fennel Salad and Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad for even more summer side dish inspiration!
Whether you just stocked up on strawberries or picked a pint of blueberries, this guide shows you exactly how to keep them at their best
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The ingredients
Bocconcini: These are the perfect size for this salad! If you can't find bocconcini, you can also use ciliegine (cherry-size mozzarella) or cut larger mozzarella balls into smaller pieces.
Cherry tomatoes: Choose the ripest, sweetest tomatoes you can find. Grape tomatoes work great too!
Blueberries: They add such a fun and unexpected pop of sweetness - and the blue color makes it festive.
White balsamic vinegar: Milder and slightly sweeter than regular balsamic; it won't muddy the colors of your salad.
Fresh basil: Tear the leaves by hand for the best texture and flavor (and to keep them from bruising).
For quantities see recipe card below
How to Make 4th of July Caprese Salad
Step 1: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, gently toss together the bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries.
Step 3: Add the dressing
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly again to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Add fresh basil
Right before serving, sprinkle the torn basil leaves over the top.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or bowl. Give it one last gentle toss if needed and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use good quality mozzarella. It really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Don't overdress. Add just enough dressing to lightly coat the ingredients; you can always add a little more at the table.
- Assemble close to serving time. Tomatoes release juice as they sit, so it's best to put it together shortly before serving.
- Season just before serving. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before eating can take this salad to the next level.
Variations
- Add a protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this into a light main course.
- Switch up the fruit: Strawberries or raspberries would also work beautifully for the "red" component.
- Use skewers: Turn this salad into adorable party skewers for a fun appetizer.
- Add greens: Serve it over a bed of arugula or baby spinach for even more color and texture.
What to Serve with 4th of July Caprese Salad
This salad pairs perfectly with all your classic cookout favorites! Try serving it alongside:
- Burger
- Chicken Skewers
- Wraps and Sandwiches
It's also delicious with fresh baguette slices or crostini to soak up every last drop of the dressing.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the tomatoes will release some juices and the basil may wilt a bit, but it will still taste amazing. I recommend adding a few fresh basil leaves right before eating leftovers to freshen it up.
Pro tip: If you're prepping ahead, you can combine the bocconcini, tomatoes, and blueberries in advance, but wait to add the dressing and basil until just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of white balsamic?
Technically, yes - but it will darken the salad and take away that bright, festive look. I highly recommend white balsamic vinegar for the best presentation!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Wait until just before serving to toss everything together and add the basil.
What else can I add to this salad?
Try adding a handful of toasted pine nuts (or pecans!) for a little crunch!
Recipe
4th of July Caprese Salad
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Serving platter or large salad bowl
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz bocconcini small mozzarella balls, drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves torn
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the bocconcini, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly again to coat everything evenly.
- Right before serving, sprinkle the torn basil leaves over the top.
- Transfer the salad to a large serving platter or bowl. Give it one last gentle toss if needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use the sweetest tomatoes and ripest blueberries you can find.
- Make it extra festive by serving it in a clear trifle bowl to show off the red, white, and blue layers.
- Keep fresh basil on hand to sprinkle more just before serving - it instantly brightens up the whole salad.
Sophie Viau says
This salad is the perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create something really special. Plus it’s patriotic and beautiful: Those red, white, and blue colors pop on any party table.