Prepare to dazzle your guests and elevate your summer celebrations with this spectacular **Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad**! Whether you’re firing up the grill for Memorial Day, hosting a festive Fourth of July barbecue, or simply enjoying a sunny backyard gathering, this patriotic twist on a classic Italian dish is an absolute must-have. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and incredibly simple preparation (just 10 minutes of hands-on time!), it’s the perfect side dish that effortlessly combines beauty and taste. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at your summer gatherings!

A Beautiful & Patriotic Caprese Salad with Blueberries

As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, signaling the start of summer, festive holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July bring with them a desire for delicious, easy-to-make dishes. What better way to embody the patriotic spirit than with food that showcases the iconic red, white, and blue? This recipe takes the beloved Italian Caprese salad – traditionally featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – and gives it a magnificent American makeover. We’re infusing it with juicy blueberries to represent the ‘blue’ and carefully crafting the fresh mozzarella into adorable star shapes, turning a simple salad into a stunning centerpiece.

The result is not just a salad; it’s a celebration on a plate. The sweet burst of blueberries perfectly complements the ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all brought together by a light, flavorful dressing. It’s an elegant, yet approachable dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a statement!

(Looking for more patriotic treats? Check out our Patriotic Fruit Salad!)

Why You’ll Love This Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad:

• Effortlessly Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items or specialist produce. This patriotic Caprese salad relies on a handful of fresh, readily available ingredients found at any local grocery store. It’s proof that sometimes, the best flavors come from the simplest combinations.
• Incredibly Easy to Prepare: Hosting a party can be stressful, but preparing this salad won’t be! With just 10 minutes of active prep time, you can assemble this beautiful dish and then let it chill in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. It’s a fantastic no-cook option for hot summer days, freeing you up to enjoy your guests.
• Naturally Gluten-Free & Diet-Friendly: This recipe is 100% gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or anyone following a gluten-free lifestyle. It’s also vegetarian, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences at your gathering.
• Visually Stunning & Festive: The vibrant red tomatoes, pristine white mozzarella stars, and deep blue blueberries create an eye-catching display that perfectly embodies the spirit of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes and is guaranteed to impress.
• Refreshing & Light: Unlike heavy, creamy salads, this Caprese offers a light, fresh, and invigorating taste that is ideal for warm weather. It provides a delightful contrast to heavier BBQ fare and helps cleanse the palate, making it a perfect companion for your summer feast.

Key Ingredients for Your Patriotic Caprese Salad:

Crafting this festive salad requires simple yet fresh ingredients. Here’s a quick visual overview of what you’ll need to create this dazzling dish. For precise measurements, please refer to the **printable recipe card** located at the bottom of this post.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips for the Best Flavor:

• Fresh Tomatoes: For the “red” component, opt for vibrant red cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes. Their bite-sized nature and intense color are perfect for this salad. Always slice them in half before adding them to the bowl to release their juices and allow the dressing to coat them better.
• Blueberries: Fresh, plump blueberries are essential for the “blue” in our patriotic theme. I highly recommend using fresh over frozen blueberries for this recipe, as frozen berries can become mushy when thawed and release too much water, diluting the salad’s fresh taste.
• Mozzarella: This is where the “white” and the fun “star” shapes come in! Use fresh mozzarella, ideally in a log or large ball that can be sliced. A small star-shaped cookie cutter (around 1-inch) is perfect for creating those festive shapes. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! You can meticulously cut stars with a small, sharp knife, or simply use mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for an equally delicious, albeit less themed, result.
• Honey: A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the tomatoes and the richness of the olive oil. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet dressing. Other great natural sweeteners or acidic additions include maple syrup, agave nectar, or a drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze for a more traditional Caprese flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: The dressing is simple, so the quality of your extra virgin olive oil truly makes a difference. A good olive oil will impart a rich, fruity flavor that elevates the entire salad.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil is the aromatic heart of any Caprese salad. Use fresh, bright green basil leaves for the best flavor and fragrance. You can either tear them gently or roughly chop them just before adding to preserve their delicate aroma.
• Seasoning: Don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper! These simple seasonings are crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients. Taste and adjust as needed.

How to Make This Easy Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad:

Creating this stunning salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect patriotic dish:

Step 1: Prepare & Arrange Main Ingredients. Begin by washing and halving your cherry tomatoes. Place these vibrant red halves into a beautiful serving bowl. Next, gently scatter the fresh blueberries over the tomatoes, creating a lovely contrast. Then, using a small star-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife, carefully cut star shapes from your mozzarella slices. Artfully arrange these white mozzarella stars among the red tomatoes and blue blueberries for that unmistakable patriotic look.

Step 2: Whisk Dressing & Garnish. In a separate small bowl, combine the honey and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk them together until well combined. Drizzle this simple yet delicious dressing evenly over your arranged salad. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and finally, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. This adds the signature Caprese aroma and a touch of green. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to marry beautifully.

Tips for the Best Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad:

• Choose Peak Season Produce: The success of this salad relies on fresh, ripe ingredients. Opt for in-season cherry tomatoes and blueberries for maximum flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t Over-Dress: A Caprese salad is all about highlighting the natural flavors of its components. Drizzle the dressing sparingly at first, you can always add more if needed. You want to enhance, not overpower.
• Chill Time is Key: While it’s tempting to serve immediately, allowing the salad to chill for at least 10-15 minutes in the fridge lets the flavors meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious taste.
• Gentle Mixing: When assembling, be gentle. You want to keep the mozzarella stars intact and prevent the blueberries from crushing.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar in the dressing can add extra brightness. For an extra savory note, a tiny sprinkle of finely minced red onion or chives can be a delicious addition.

Serving Suggestions:

This patriotic Caprese salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of summer dishes:

• BBQ Companion: It’s the ultimate side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or fish at your next barbecue.
• Potluck Favorite: Easy to transport and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for potlucks and picnics.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and satisfying light lunch, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread.
• Appetizer: Serve it in small individual cups or skewers as an elegant appetizer.

Storage Tips:

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers or want to prepare it slightly ahead:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• Prep Ahead: You can slice the tomatoes and mozzarella and wash the blueberries a day in advance, storing them separately. Prepare the dressing just before serving, and then combine all ingredients. This ensures maximum freshness.
• Basil: For best results, add the fresh basil just before serving, as it can wilt and darken if added too early.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  A: You can prep the ingredients (slice tomatoes, cut mozzarella, wash blueberries) up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Whisk the dressing and combine all ingredients, including basil, just before serving for the freshest taste and appearance. The chilling time (10-15 minutes) is still recommended after assembly.
• Q: What if I don’t have a star cookie cutter?
  A: No problem at all! You can simply cube the fresh mozzarella or use mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini). The salad will still be delicious and beautiful, even without the star shapes. If you’re feeling ambitious, a small, sharp knife can also be used to carefully cut out stars, though it will take more time.
• Q: Can I use different types of tomatoes?
  A: While cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for their size and vibrant red color, you could use a larger red tomato, like a Roma or beefsteak, and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure it’s firm and ripe.
• Q: Are there any other fruits I can add?
  A: While blueberries are perfect for the patriotic theme and their sweet-tart flavor, you could consider thinly sliced strawberries for extra red or even some raspberries, though they are more delicate. Stick to the red, white, and blue colors for the full festive effect.
• Q: Can I add a protein to make it a meal?
  A: Absolutely! This salad makes a fantastic light meal with the addition of grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Other Refreshing Salad Recipes You’ll Love:

P.S. If you try this festive Red, White & Blue Caprese Salad recipe, I’d absolutely love for you to leave a star rating below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is truly appreciated and helps other readers! Be sure to explore my entire Recipe Index for more delicious culinary inspiration. You can also connect with me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram! Don’t miss out on fresh recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week – sign up for my Email List today!

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Red, White and Blue Caprese Salad

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 20 minutes
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  Yield: 2 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Celebrate Memorial Day or Fourth of July with this patriotic red, white and blue caprese salad! With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, this beautiful caprese salad with blueberries is perfect for your BBQ parties and summer gatherings! Gluten-free too.

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Ingredients

Units

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• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced evenly
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Combine Tomatoes and Blueberries: Cut the cherry tomatoes into halves and place them in a serving bowl. Sprinkle the blueberries over the top.
2. Cut Mozzarella Stars and Add to Bowl: Use small star-shaped cookie cutters (or just a knife if you don’t have a cookie cutter) to cut star shapes from the mozzarella slices. Arrange the stars over the tomatoes and blueberries.
3. Prepare Salad Dressing, Drizzle and Garnish: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and olive oil. Drizzle over the salad, season with salt and pepper, and top with fresh basil.
4. Chill Before Serving: Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Cherry Tomatoes: Make sure to use red cherry tomatoes to go with the red white and blue theme. Slice the tomatoes in half before using.

Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best (I do not recommend using frozen blueberries in this case since we are using so few ingredients, make sure to use fresh).

Mozzarella: I recommend using a small star cookie cutter to cut the mozzarella slices into star shapes (this goes with the patriotic theme). If you don’t own a star cookie cutter, you can also use a small knife to cut out the stars – it will take longer but it is still possible.

Honey: I’ve added a little bit of honey as a natural sweetener. Feel free to reduce the amount or leave it out totally if you prefer a less sweet salad. Optionally, you may also use maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetening.

Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is a key ingredient in classic caprese salad, so make sure to add it in.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Chilling Time: 10 mins
• Category: Salads
• Cuisine: American