4th of July Blueberry Caprese Salad

Name: 4th of July Blueberry Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 pints cherry tomatoes (sliced in half); 1 pint fresh blueberries; ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves (separated from stems); 8 ounce fresh mozzarella pearls (drained); 2 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper (for finishing (optional))

JUMP TO RECIPE

This patriotic 4th of July salad is ready in just 10 minutes and brings the perfect red, white, and blue colors to your Independence Day celebration! The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sweet blueberries creates a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

A bowl of tomato, mozzarella, and olive salad with fresh basil leaves.

This easy Caprese salad puts a festive twist on the Italian classic with the addition of blueberries for that perfect patriotic touch. It’s the ideal side dish for cookouts, potlucks, and backyard barbecues when you want something fresh and colorful.

Looking for more summer salad ideas? Try my Fourth of July Watermelon Blueberry Salad for another patriotic option, or check out my Easy Black Bean and Corn Mexican Salad for something with a bit of southwestern flair!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Colors: This red, white, and blue salad is the perfect addition to your 4th of July spread, featuring the colors of the American flag in a delicious and fresh salad.
Quick Prep: From start to finish, this salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare – giving you more time to enjoy your holiday celebrations with friends and family.
Fresh Ingredients: Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet blueberries, and creamy mozzarella pearls, this salad highlights the best summer produce and brings incredible flavor to your table.
Crowd Pleaser: This caprese salad is always a hit at barbecues, potlucks, and cookouts. The simple combination of fresh ingredients appeals to guests of all ages.

A bowl of tomato, mozzarella, blueberry, and basil salad on a white table.

What is Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad is a simple Italian dish made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil – representing the colors of the Italian flag. Traditionally dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it’s known for its fresh flavor and beautiful presentation. This patriotic version adds blueberries for the perfect 4th of July twist!

4th of July Caprese Salad Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Cherry tomatoes – These sweet, juicy red gems provide the perfect bite-sized pop of color and flavor. Cut them in half to release their natural juices into the salad.
Fresh blueberries – Sweet blueberries add the perfect blue element to this patriotic salad while providing a delightful burst of sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the other ingredients.
Fresh basil leaves – Aromatic basil adds that classic caprese flavor and beautiful green color. Make sure to remove the leaves from the stems before adding to the salad.
Mozzarella pearls – These tiny balls of fresh mozzarella provide the white element in our red, white, and blue theme. Their creamy texture complements the juicy tomatoes and blueberries perfectly.
Balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy sweetness that ties all the flavors together. You can use regular balsamic vinegar for a lighter dressing that coats everything easily.
Olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in this simple salad.
Salt and pepper – A light sprinkle enhances all the flavors in this fresh summer salad.

Bowls of tomatoes, blueberries, mozzarella, olive oil, balsamic glaze, and basil.

Substitutions and Additions

Tomato options – If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes work great too. For a fun patriotic touch, you could even use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut larger tomato slices into stars.
Cheese variations – If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, buy a log of fresh mozzarella and cut it into small cubes or use a star-shaped cookie cutter for festive shapes.
Berry alternatives – While blueberries are perfect for the blue element, you could also include strawberries cut into stars for even more patriotic flair.
Dressing options – Swap the balsamic vinegar for a thicker balsamic glaze or reduction for a more dramatic look. You could also add a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
Add cucumber – For a refreshing twist, add diced cucumber to create a cucumber caprese salad variation.

How to Make 4th of July Blueberry Caprese Salad (step-by-step directions)

Three-step collage making a festive 4th of July salad with tomatoes and blueberries.

STEP 1. Place halved cherry tomatoes, fresh blueberries, basil leaves, and mozzarella pearls in a large bowl. (Photo 1)

STEP 2. Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. (Photo 2)

STEP 3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. (Photo 3)

STEP 4. Refrigerate until ready to serve, or serve immediately.

A bowl of salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, black olives, and basil leaves.

Recipe Tips

Prepare this salad just before serving for the freshest flavors and best texture.
For a more dramatic presentation, arrange the ingredients in stripes on a rectangular platter to resemble the American flag.
Keep the basil leaves whole for the best visual impact, or tear larger leaves into smaller pieces.
If making ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the cheese from absorbing too much of the vinegar.
For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it’s been refrigerated.

Storing Tips

Storage: This 4th of July salad is best served the same day it’s made for optimal freshness and texture.
Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The salad may release some liquid as it sits, and the basil may darken.
Make ahead option: You can prep all the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving. Store cut tomatoes, blueberries, and mozzarella in separate containers in the refrigerator.
Not freezer-friendly: This fresh salad does not freeze well due to the high water content of the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this patriotic caprese salad alongside other 4th of July favorites like Easy Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches or Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls. Add some Cheesy Bacon Potatoes on the side for a complete meal. For a full Independence Day spread, serve with crostini or crusty bread for scooping up the salad. This salad also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs.

4th of July salad with tomatoes, blueberries, mozzarella, and basil.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this 4th of July salad the night before?

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the components ahead of time. Cut the tomatoes, drain the mozzarella, and wash the blueberries, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Combine all ingredients and add the dressing just before serving.

What makes this a 4th of July salad?

The red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and blue (blueberries) colors represent the American flag colors, making it perfect for Independence Day celebrations.

Can I use a balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar?

Yes! Balsamic glaze or reduction will give a sweeter, thicker dressing. The regular vinegar used in this recipe provides a thinner consistency that coats all ingredients evenly, but a glaze works well for a more dramatic presentation.

Is this caprese salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread if desired.

How do I make this salad look more patriotic?

For an extra patriotic presentation, arrange the ingredients on a rectangular platter in stripes – alternating rows of red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and blue blueberries to resemble the American flag. You could also use star-shaped cookie cutters for the mozzarella if using a larger block.

Need More Salad Recipes? Try These:

4th of July salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and fresh basil.

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