Watermelon Caprese With Balsamic Glaze
Jun 11, 2024
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Summertime screams watermelon and caprese! With this Watermelon Caprese, you are combining all the flavors of summer into one bite. Hungry yet?
This post is sponsored by the Watermelon Board.
Watermelon Caprese
Who said that caprese salads have to be made with just tomatoes? Traditionally, a caprese recipe is tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It is typically topped with a balsamic glaze or olive oil.
However, Watermelon Caprese is just that! Except, we are substituting the tomato for watermelon!
Watermelon is sliced into rounds, topped with fresh slices of mozzarella cheese, basil, and a sweet tangy balsamic glaze. The flavors are out of this world, and we dare you to eat just one!
If you enjoy caprese recipes, be sure to check out our Peach Caprese, Caprese Skewers, Strawberry Caprese or Caprese Avocado Salad recipes. There are so many great ways to make a caprese with fresh produce!
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Feeds a crowd
- Quick to put together
- Flavors are out of this world
- Fresh & simple ingredients
Buffet Style
If you need to bring a side dish to a bbq this summer, you can use this same recipe, however, you’ll want to cube the watermelon and mozzarella so that it’s easier for guests to eat.
Throw it all in a bowl, tossed with basil, salt, pepper and the balsamic glaze for an easy way for guests to enjoy this Watermelon Caprese recipe!
Ingredients Needed For Watermelon Caprese
- Watermelon
- Fresh Basil leaves
- Mozzarella slices
- Salt and pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
How To Make Watermelon Caprese
Slice your watermelon into about 1/4″ to 1/2″ slices. Next, using a mason jar, glass cup, or even a cookie cutter, create your round slices of watermelon.
Once you have your watermelon slices, place a paper towel on a flat surface and place your watermelon slices on top. Be sure to gently dry the watermelon otherwise, the juices from the watermelon will be all over your serving platter, and the dish won’t look as pretty!
While the watermelon juice is being soaked up, in a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a low boil, turn heat to low and allow to reduce to half. Remove from the heat to allow the glaze to cool and thicken.
Want a shortcut? You can buy a balsamic glaze at the grocery store and skip this step (plus it would be one less dirty dish)!
On a serving platter, alternate a slice of watermelon with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Repeat until you have used all the pieces. Then, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Next, top the watermelon and mozzarella with freshly chopped basil.
Finally, drizzle with the balsamic glaze and enjoy!
Store Leftovers
We recommend storing any leftovers of this watermelon caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you don’t top this recipe with the balsamic glaze, it will last a few days longer in the refrigerator.
Why We Love the National Watermelon Board.
Sustainability is the Watermelon Board’s number one priority. Each time you use the entire watermelon, you save about five pounds of food waste. Watermelon Board is devoted to helping you use the entire watermelon — the flesh, juice, AND rind. And we’ve partnered together to help you try new recipes that help you do just that. Be sustainable for the planet and your wallet.
Check out this calculator to see how you can cut down food waste when you eat all of your watermelons.
More Watermelon Recipes We Love
- Margarita Watermelon Slices – Enjoy your favorite coctail as a slice of watermelon
- Watermelon Pizza – enjoy this little slice of summertime
- Sandia Loca (Crazy Watermelon) – candy, seasoning, and watermelon for a burst of flavor
- Watermelon S’mores – a creative take on the classic s’more
- Tomato and Watermelon Salad – served with a jalapeno vinaigrette for a perfect match of sweet and spicy
- Watermelon Elote Salad – grilled watermelon for an irresistible elote
Watermelon Caprese with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 12 slices watermelon cut into rounds or squares approximately 3 inches wide and ½ inch thick*
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ pound fresh mozzarella cheese cut into 12 slices (we used skim)
- Dash salt and pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves loosely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Place the watermelon slices on paper towels and cover with additional paper towels to absorb some of the excess fluid.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the vinegar and honey. Stir to blend, bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Stirring occasionally until the mixture has reduced by almost half. (Do not let reduce to far or to froth). Set aside to cool slightly.
- On a large platter, place the watermelon slices and top each with a slice of cheese. Salt and pepper, then sprinkle the basil leaves evenly over the top. Drizzle with the olive oil followed by the reduced balsamic vinegar. Garnish with basil.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love a fun twist on a caprese!
I honestly had my doubts on this watermelon caprese recipe. However, I love all the ingredients and decided to give it a try! I literally couldn’t stop eating it! I’ll be sharing this one with guests all summer long!