Mason Jar Caprese Salad (Printable)

Layered cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with olive oil and balsamic for a fresh, easy dish.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables & Herbs

01 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
03 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Dressing

04 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Preparation steps:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Divide the dressing evenly among four clean pint-sized (16 ounce) mason jars, pouring it into the bottom of each jar.
03 - Layer the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the dressing in each jar.
04 - Add the mozzarella balls as the next layer in each jar.
05 - Finish each jar with a layer of fresh basil leaves.
06 - Seal the jars tightly with lids and refrigerate until ready to serve.
07 - When serving, shake the jar gently to distribute the dressing, or pour contents onto a plate and toss gently.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Everything stays crisp and fresh because the dressing sits at the bottom, sealed away from the delicate basil until you're ready to eat.
  • You can prep these the night before and grab them on your way out the door, no last-minute assembly required.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about eating directly from a mason jar—casual but somehow still feels special.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the mozzarella—even a few minutes in a colander will prevent your jar from becoming a watery mess by the time you eat it.
  • If you're making these more than a few hours ahead, keep the basil separate and add it right before you leave, or it'll oxidize and lose both its color and flavor.
03 -
  • If your basil starts to look tired before you eat, a quick ice bath for five minutes will revive it and keep it perky.
  • Use a salad spinner to dry your basil completely—any excess moisture will turn it dark and slimy faster than you'd expect.
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