Chopped Caprese Salad with Arugula

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Created on September 15th, 2025 at 04:33 pm

Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready in Minutes!

This chopped Caprese salad with arugula is the ultimate way to freshen up your summer table! Packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, peppery arugula, and fresh basil, it’s the perfect balance of bold and refreshing. A drizzle of balsamic glaze and a splash of citrusy lemon olive oil take this classic Italian combo to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping a light lunch, or need a colorful side for a backyard dinner, this vibrant salad comes together in just 10 minutes—and disappears even faster! 🥗🍋

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad checks all the boxes—it’s quick, colorful, and absolutely delicious. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few fresh staples and pantry favorites. It’s budget-friendly, totally customizable, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It works beautifully as a side dish, light main, or part of a larger spread. And since it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, it fits a wide range of dietary needs. Best part? No cooking required and barely any cleanup!

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

📝 Ingredients List

For the Arugula Base:

2–3 cups fresh baby arugula, lightly packed
1 tbsp good-quality olive oil
¼ tsp coarse salt (sea salt or kosher)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Chopped Caprese:

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
1 (8 oz.) container mini mozzarella balls, halved (about 2 cups)
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (about 10–15 leaves)
½ tsp white balsamic vinegar (or regular balsamic as a sub)
2 tbsp good-quality olive oil
¾ tsp coarse salt (sea salt or kosher)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Small mixing bowl
Serving platter or salad bowl
Salad tongs or large spoon

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Prep the arugula:
Add arugula to a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with ¼ tsp salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently until leaves are evenly coated. 🥬
Mix the caprese topping:
In a separate bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced basil, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Gently toss until everything is well mixed and glossy. 🍅🧀
Assemble the salad:
Spread the dressed arugula over your serving platter. Spoon the caprese mixture on top in an even layer.
Finish with a drizzle:
Right before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the salad for that signature sweet-tangy flavor. ✨
Serve & enjoy!
This salad is best served fresh. Enjoy it chilled or at room temp!

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Make Ahead: Prep all components separately and store them chilled. Assemble just before serving!
Add Protein: Turn it into a full meal by topping with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crusty bread.
Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice