Mason Jar Caprese Salad (Print View)

Portable layers of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a convenient jar, ideal for light and fresh meals.

# 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

# Method:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
02 - Divide the dressing evenly among four clean pint-sized (16 oz) mason jars, pouring it into the bottom of each jar.
03 - Layer the cherry tomato halves on top of the dressing in each jar.
04 - Add the mozzarella balls as the next layer in each jar.
05 - Finish with a layer of fresh basil leaves on top of the mozzarella.
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 -
  • No sad, wilted salad by the time you get to it—the jar becomes its own protective vessel, keeping everything crisp and vibrant.
  • You can shake it right before eating and watch the dressing coat everything evenly, which is weirdly satisfying and tastes phenomenal.
  • It feels fancy enough to bring to a potluck but casual enough that nobody realizes you spent fifteen minutes making it.
02 -
  • Wet mozzarella or damp basil will cause condensation that turns everything mushy—make sure everything is patted completely dry before layering, even if it feels paranoid.
  • The order matters more than you'd think because wet ingredients on top of delicate ones turns them into mush, but this specific stacking keeps each element properly textured until the moment you eat it.
03 -
  • Taste your dressing before you jar everything—you can't adjust seasoning once it's sealed, so make it bold and flavorful enough that it tastes exactly how you want it.
  • If you're making these for a crowd, assemble them an hour before serving so everyone gets the exact same flavor experience, not the first person's perfect jar and the last person's slightly separated one.
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