Mason Jar Caprese Salad (Printer-friendly)

Fresh layers of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in jars, dressed with olive oil and balsamic.

# 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

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper until 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 fresh 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 -
  • It travels without getting soggy because the dressing sits at the bottom, keeping everything protected until you're ready to eat.
  • You get that fresh, just-made taste even hours later, with the flavors actually deepening as they sit together.
  • There's something satisfying about shaking that jar and watching the layers come to life right before you eat.
02 -
  • Moisture is the enemy—if your mozzarella or tomatoes are wet, they'll weep extra liquid that dilutes your dressing, so pat everything dry with a towel before assembling.
  • The order of layers matters because the dressing needs to be at the bottom; if you pour it later, the heavier tomatoes will have already crushed the delicate basil underneath.
03 -
  • Use pint-sized mason jars (sixteen ounces) specifically—they hold exactly the right proportions and are the perfect size for one generous serving.
  • If you're assembling multiple jars, set up a small assembly line with all ingredients prepped and lined up; it feels less fussy than doing them one at a time.
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