Name: Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons honey; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 lbs baby potatoes (red, white, and blue varieties recommended); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, large ones halved; 8 oz Ciliegine mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella; ½ cup chopped fresh basil; ½ cup toasted bread crumbs

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If you love the vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad but are craving something a little heartier, then this Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender baby potatoes with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a luscious balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together without a hint of mayo. This salad is a celebration of summer’s best ingredients in one bowl, perfect for any picnic, barbecue, or a simple weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl holds an assortment of small potatoes in three colors: reddish pink, yellow, and dark purple, mixed together. Inside the white bowl, there is a smaller gray bowl filled with red, orange, and yellow grape tomatoes. Next to the large bowl on a wooden cutting board rests bright green basil leaves with a few loose grape tomatoes in red and yellow nearby. At the bottom of the cutting board, a small gray bowl contains many small, smooth white mozzarella balls. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving a balance of textures and flavors that are bright, creamy, and satisfyingly savory.

2 lbs baby potatoes: Using a mix of red, white, and blue potatoes adds festive color and a variety of textures for every bite.
1 pint cherry tomatoes: Opt for large cherry tomatoes halved to release their juicy sweetness while retaining vibrant color.
8 oz Ciliegine mozzarella balls: These small fresh mozzarella balls lend a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth contrast to the potatoes and tomatoes.
½ cup chopped basil: Fresh basil injects a fragrant herbal brightness essential to any Caprese-style dish.
½ cup toasted bread crumbs: A crunchy topping that adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor, bringing every mouthful to life.
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar: The rich tang of balsamic vinegar creates the backbone of the dressing that ties all the ingredients together.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and honey.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the acidity of the vinegar with a gentle sweetness for a perfectly rounded dressing.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
½ cup extra virgin olive oil: A fruity, high-quality olive oil gives the dressing a smooth, rich finish.

How to Make Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Dressing

Start by whisking together balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl or dressing jar. Slowly add extra virgin olive oil, shaking or whisking until the dressing is well combined and slightly thickened. This simple dressing is bursting with flavor and is the heart of the Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Place the baby potatoes in a large pot with about a tablespoon of kosher salt and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are just tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as you want them firm enough to hold their shape in the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes for Salad

Drain the potatoes and let them cool just enough to handle. Cut each potato into halves or quarters so that the pieces are approximately 1-inch in size, ensuring they mix well with the other salad ingredients.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Transfer the warm potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle about half to three-quarters of the balsamic dressing over and gently stir to coat every piece. Add halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil, mixing just enough to combine without crushing the delicate mozzarella.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Move the salad into a serving bowl and sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs on top for a wonderful crunch. You can add a few extra basil leaves for color and a final drizzle of the remaining dressing just before serving to keep everything vibrant and flavorful.

How to Serve Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has several layers: the bottom layer has small boiled potatoes in yellow, purple, and red colors with a soft texture. Scattered among the potatoes are halved red and orange cherry tomatoes, adding bright pops of color. On top, there are many round white mozzarella balls with a smooth texture. The salad is sprinkled with chopped fresh green basil leaves and a light layer of golden crunchy breadcrumbs. In the background, two gold forks are partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and flavor, fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts work beautifully alongside the crunchy bread crumbs. For an extra pop, a light drizzle of high-quality aged balsamic glaze adds visual appeal and an intensified hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe is a perfect companion to grilled chicken, seafood, or even a simple crusty loaf of bread. It also shines as a refreshing counterpoint to richer, heavier dishes like roasted meats or creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful layers or arrange it on a large platter garnished with whole basil sprigs and slices of fresh heirloom tomatoes for a rustic charm. For a fun twist, present individual servings in small mason jars for picnics or buffets.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness, and you’ll find that the flavors deepen beautifully over time as the dressing soaks into the potatoes and cheese.

Freezing

Because the salad contains fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture and freshness of the ingredients.

Reheating

If you prefer to enjoy the salad warm, gently reheat it in a microwave or in a pan over low heat just until the potatoes are warm but the tomatoes and mozzarella remain fresh and intact. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the cheese to become rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, regular potatoes can be used, but baby potatoes are preferred for their tender skin and creamy texture, which complement the salad perfectly without needing peeling.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes mozzarella cheese, which is a dairy product, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute with vegan cheese alternatives or omit the cheese altogether, though it will change the traditional Caprese essence.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The balsamic dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using to recombine the ingredients.

What can I substitute for fresh basil if I don’t have any?

If fresh basil is unavailable, fresh oregano or mint can be interesting alternatives, though they will give the salad a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I toast bread crumbs quickly?

For quick toasting, heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the bread crumbs, and stir frequently until they turn golden brown and crisp. This usually takes just a few minutes and greatly enhances the salad’s texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about the Italian Caprese Potato Salad Recipe, combining simple ingredients that come alive when brought together with just the right dressing. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious and sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how effortlessly it turns everyday flavors into a celebration of summer on your plate.