Mason Jar Caprese Salad (Printable Version)

A fresh, portable Caprese with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, perfect for picnics and easy 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

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, salt, and pepper until well 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 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 Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything stays perfectly crisp because the dressing sits at the bottom, not drowning your vegetables.
  • You can make these hours ahead and they actually get better as the flavors mingle quietly in the jar.
  • It feels fancy enough to impress people but requires almost zero cooking skills.
  • Transport is effortless—grab a jar, go, and you're done.
02 -
  • The order of layering matters because dressing on the bottom keeps everything above it from getting soggy—I learned this the hard way with my first attempt.
  • Don't skip draining your mozzarella completely; excess moisture is the enemy of jar longevity.
03 -
  • Use the freshest tomatoes and basil you can find because there's nowhere to hide in such a simple dish.
  • If you're making these ahead and worried about shelf life, store them in the coldest part of your fridge and eat them within 24 hours for the best texture.
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