Healthy Nectarine Caprese Salad

Here is my take on a summer caprese salad, made with sweet nectarines instead of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

This fresh twist on the classic Italian salad has become my go-to lunch during the hot months. I like to make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week. Nothing better than a cool, fruity salad when it’s too warm to cook, right?

What Kind of Nectarines Should I Use?

For a caprese salad, you’ll want to pick nectarines that are ripe but still firm enough to slice cleanly. When shopping, look for fruits that give slightly when pressed and have a sweet, fragrant smell at the stem end – these are signs of perfect ripeness. Yellow-flesh nectarines tend to be sweeter and work great in this recipe, though white-flesh varieties can add an interesting subtle flavor too. If your nectarines are too hard when you buy them, let them ripen on the counter for a day or two, but avoid using overripe ones as they’ll be too soft to slice and can make your salad watery.

Options for Substitutions

This fresh summer salad is pretty flexible and you can make several swaps while keeping the spirit of the dish intact:

• Nectarines: If you can’t find ripe nectarines, you can use peaches, which are very similar in flavor. For a different twist, try using ripe plums or apricots – just make sure they’re sweet and juicy.
• Fresh mozzarella: While fresh mozzarella gives the best texture, you could use burrata for an extra creamy version. In a pinch, good quality buffalo mozzarella or even torn pieces of regular mozzarella will work.
• Prosciutto: No prosciutto? Try using thinly sliced serrano ham or speck. For a meat-free version, you can simply leave it out – the salad will still taste great!
• Balsamic glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering regular balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens. Or use a good quality regular balsamic vinegar, though it won’t be as thick.
• Fresh basil: Fresh basil is pretty key to this recipe, but in a pinch, you could use fresh mint for a different but still tasty twist.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The success of a nectarine caprese salad depends heavily on the ripeness of your nectarines – they should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy, as overripe fruit will make your salad watery and underwhelming. When slicing the mozzarella and nectarines, keep the thickness consistent (about 1/4 inch) to ensure each bite has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. A common mistake is drowning the salad in balsamic glaze – instead, drizzle it lightly just before serving, as too much will overpower the delicate sweetness of the nectarines and the subtle flavor of the mozzarella. For the best results, bring your mozzarella to room temperature before assembling the salad, and tear your basil leaves at the last minute to prevent browning and preserve their fresh aroma.

What to Serve With Nectarine Caprese Salad?

This fresh and fruity take on caprese salad works perfectly as a side dish, but you can easily turn it into a complete meal with a few simple additions. Try serving it alongside some grilled chicken breast or a piece of crusty ciabatta bread to make it more filling. For a light summer dinner party, I like to pair it with a chilled glass of prosecco and some grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, follow it up with a pasta dish like fettuccine alfredo or linguine with clam sauce – the fresh flavors of the salad are a nice contrast to a warm, hearty pasta.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This nectarine caprese salad is best enjoyed right after it’s assembled. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but know that the nectarines might get a bit softer and release some juice.

Prep Ahead: Want to get a head start? You can slice the nectarines and mozzarella up to 4 hours ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Just wait to add the basil, prosciutto, and dressings until right before serving – this keeps everything fresh and prevents the basil from wilting.

Leftover Components: If you have extra ingredients, store them separately. Keep sliced nectarines in an airtight container, wrap the mozzarella in plastic wrap, and place the prosciutto between wax paper sheets. The basil is best stored at room temperature with stems in a glass of water, like a little bouquet.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Fat: 40-45 g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 g

Ingredients

• 2-3 nectarines
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices prosciutto
• Fresh basil
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar glaze
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Ingredients

Begin by slicing 2 to 3 fresh nectarines (or peaches) into bite-sized pieces.

Next, slice fresh mozzarella cheese into similar-sized pieces to match the nectarines.

Step 2: Arrange the Salad Base

On a serving plate, neatly arrange the sliced nectarines and mozzarella slices, interspersing them for a colorful and inviting presentation.

Step 3: Layer with Prosciutto

Place about 6 slices of prosciutto over the arranged nectarines and mozzarella.

The prosciutto should be draped in a way that covers and complements the other ingredients on the plate.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil

Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and sprinkle them generously over the salad.

This adds a fragrant, herbal touch to the dish.

Step 5: Drizzle and Season

Finish the salad with a drizzle of olive oil followed by a drizzle of balsamic vinegar glaze.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The olive oil and balsamic glaze will enhance the flavors and bring everything together.

Step 6: Serve the Salad

Once seasoned, your fresh nectarine and mozzarella salad topped with prosciutto is ready to be served.

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish as a delightful appetizer or side!