There's something so festive and fresh about a beautifully arranged salad, and this Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe is exactly that. It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and perfect for any gathering where you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.

A round wooden board holds a wreath-shaped salad made of green arugula leaves and spinach leaves arranged in a circle, topped with bright red cherry tomatoes and small white mozzarella balls evenly spread across the greens. To the left, there is a small jar of dark balsamic glaze with a metal spoon inside. Below the board, some toasted white bread slices are partially visible. To the right, a small white speckled bowl contains extra mozzarella balls, and a crumpled beige and white striped cloth rests nearby. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe has become my go-to for holidays and summer parties alike. It’s just the right mix of elegance and ease, with fresh, vibrant flavors that everyone seems to enjoy without the fuss.

Stunning Presentation: Arranged in a wreath shape, it brings an instant festive vibe to the table that guests will admire before even tasting.
Minimal Ingredients: Only five simple, fresh ingredients make this salad super accessible and quick to pull together.
Flexible and Scalable: Whether you’re serving a small dinner or a big party, you can easily adjust the portions or even make smaller individual wreaths.
Balanced Flavors: The peppery arugula, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic come together perfectly for an unforgettable bite.

A round wooden board shaped like a wreath with a handle tied with a red cloth ribbon holds a salad arranged in a ring shape. The salad has three main layers: the bottom is arugula and mixed green leaves, medium green in color with a slightly rough texture; the middle layer has bright red cherry tomatoes scattered evenly around; the top layer features small white mozzarella balls along with dark green basil leaves, and a drizzle of dark balsamic glaze dotted over the salad. The board is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element in this Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe plays a vital role. The freshness and quality of your ingredients really shine through, so I always recommend choosing the best you can find, especially when it comes to the mozzarella and tomatoes.

Flat lay of fresh baby arugula leaves arranged loosely, a small cluster of shiny red grape tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh mozzarella pearls, a few vibrant green basil leaves scattered beside, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark balsamic vinaigrette, and a small white ceramic bowl with coarse kosher salt grains and freshly ground black peppercorns placed next to each other, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Baby Arugula: Its peppery bite adds just the right contrast to the creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes, making the salad anything but bland.
Grape Tomatoes: They’re juicy, sweet, and small enough to place perfectly around your wreath without overwhelming it.
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls or Balls: These melt-in-your-mouth little gems are essential—fresh mozzarella is key to authentic Caprese.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Nothing says Caprese like fragrant basil. It adds a pop of color and that classic herbal aroma.
Balsamic Vinaigrette or Glaze: The sweet acidity from balsamic ties everything together and elevates the flavors with a delicious drizzle.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Seasoning is everything—even the freshest salad benefits from a little salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe is just how easy it is to tweak. I encourage you to make it feel like your own—experiment with your favorite greens or try different balsamic types to keep it fresh and fun each time.

Variation: I once swapped baby arugula for spinach and added sliced avocados for creaminess—it was a hit at brunch!
Dietary Adjustments: For a vegan version, try swapping mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes or a plant-based cheese alternative.
Seasonal Flair: In winter, pomegranate seeds sprinkled on top add a burst of color and sweetness that fits the holiday vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe

Step 1: Arrange Your Green Wreath Base

Start by spreading baby arugula into a circular shape on your platter, leaving a pretty empty center like a festive wreath. I use my hands here—they’re the best tool to gently fluff and spread the leaves evenly. Make sure it’s not too dense so the other ingredients can shine on top!

Step 2: Add in Your Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Next, tuck grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls evenly throughout the arugula ring. I like to alternate placing a tomato, then a mozzarella pearl, so the colors and textures play nicely together. It’s like edible confetti!

Step 3: Scatter Fresh Basil Leaves

Scatter whole basil leaves over the salad. I usually use a handful, but you can add more if you want that aromatic punch. The green leaves give the wreath a truly vibrant and inviting look.

Step 4: Drizzle with Balsamic and Season

Finally, drizzle balsamic vinaigrette or a rich balsamic glaze over the entire wreath. Don’t be shy here—this step makes the flavors pop. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on top, taking care to season evenly. Serve it right away for the freshest taste!

Top Tip

After making this Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help it come together beautifully and taste incredible every time.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your mozzarella and tomatoes come to room temperature before assembling—the flavors are more intense and the texture is better.
Gentle Drizzle: Use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for your balsamic drizzle—it gives you more control and keeps the presentation neat.
Fresh Basil Placement: Add basil leaves just before serving to keep them vibrant and prevent wilting.
Salting Last: Add salt and pepper just before serving to avoid drawing moisture out of the greens prematurely.

How to Serve Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe

Caprese Salad Wreath - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to add a few extra basil sprigs and sometimes a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch when serving. A little fresh cracked black pepper on top always elevates the look and flavor, too.

Side Dishes

This Caprese salad pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, grilled chicken, or even a light pasta dish. For holiday meals, I like placing it alongside rosemary roasted potatoes or a citrusy quinoa salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged individual mini Caprese wreaths on small plates for guests. It feels so special and is a great way to control portions and keep things tidy. You could also try using different shapes—the wreath is festive, but a simple layered stack on a pedestal plate looks just as charming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. I find it stays fresh best if you keep the balsamic drizzle separate until serving again. The greens will wilt a bit, so it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because fresh mozzarella, arugula, and tomatoes tend to lose their texture and flavor when thawed. I recommend making it fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

Since it’s best served cold and fresh, I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, serve leftover visible elements as part of a sandwich or chopped into another salad to reduce waste and keep flavors enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other greens besides arugula in the Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe?

Absolutely! While arugula adds a nice peppery bite, spinach, mixed baby greens, or even kale can be great substitutes depending on your taste preferences.

What’s the difference between balsamic vinaigrette and balsamic glaze for this salad?

Balsamic vinaigrette is thinner and more liquid, usually a mix of balsamic vinegar and oil, while balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter, made by reducing balsamic vinegar. Both work well, but glaze offers a richer, stickier finish that looks beautiful drizzled.

Can I prep the Caprese Salad Wreath ahead of time?

You can assemble the greens and place tomatoes and mozzarella separately in containers ahead of time, but it’s best to arrange and add basil and balsamic drizzle just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What’s the best way to serve this salad for a holiday party?

Serving this salad on a large round platter to highlight the wreath shape is perfect. For individual servings, create small wreaths on salad plates. Garnishing with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before guests arrive makes it extra special.

Final Thoughts

Every time I bring this Caprese Salad Wreath with Balsamic Drizzle Recipe to a gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit—not just because it looks gorgeous but because the flavors are fresh and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes you want to keep in your back pocket for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this beautiful salad again and again.