Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

This peach tomato caprese salad brings a summery twist to the classic Italian dish, combining juicy peaches with heirloom tomatoes and creamy mozzarella for a refreshing appetizer that celebrates peak seasonal produce.

I first made this when my garden tomatoes and the local peaches hit their peak simultaneously, and it's become my signature dish for summer gatherings where guests always ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Fresh mozzarella the creaminess balances the acidity of tomatoes look for buffalo mozzarella for the most authentic flavor
• Peaches choose ripe but firm fruit that yields slightly to pressure avoid bruised ones
• Heirloom tomatoes use different colors for visual appeal select tomatoes that feel heavy for their size
• Fresh basil leaves the aromatic heart of caprese choose bright green leaves without brown spots
• Lemon juice adds brightness to the dressing use fresh squeezed for best flavor
• Pesto adds herbal complexity to the dressing homemade is best but quality storebought works too
• Honey balances the acidity with gentle sweetness use local if available
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper essential for bringing out all the flavors grind pepper just before using
• Balsamic glaze creates the perfect finishing touch look for one thats naturally reduced without added sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Dressing

In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together lemon juice, pesto, honey, salt and pepper until fully emulsified. The mixture should appear slightly thickened and unified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to balance flavors to your preference.

Arrange the Salad

On a large serving plate, create an artistic arrangement by alternating slices of tomato, mozzarella, and peach wedges in an overlapping pattern. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the components, distributing them evenly throughout the salad. The presentation should be colorful and inviting with all elements visible.

Finish and Serve

Drizzle the prepared pesto vinaigrette evenly over the arranged ingredients, ensuring every component receives some dressing. Complete the dish with a light drizzling of balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern. Serve immediately while the mozzarella is still cool and the flavors fresh.

Bookmark

The peaches are truly the magical ingredient here. One summer when I served this at our annual block party, my neighbor who claimed to hate tomatoes ended up asking for seconds because the sweetness of the peaches completely transformed his experience of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad is best assembled just before serving, but you can prepare components in advance to save time. Slice the mozzarella and tomatoes up to 4 hours ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. The dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept chilled. For the peaches, slice them just before assembling to prevent browning. If you must prepare everything ahead, consider brushing the peach slices with a little lemon juice to preserve their color.

Perfect Pairings

This vibrant salad makes an excellent starter but can also serve as a light main course when paired with crusty artisan bread and a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or as part of an antipasto spread with prosciutto, olives, and marinated artichokes. The sweet and savory flavors also complement grilled seafood beautifully, especially shrimp or scallops with minimal seasoning.

Seasonal Adaptations

While this salad shines brightest during summer when peaches and tomatoes are at their peak, you can adapt it for other seasons. In spring, try substituting strawberries for peaches and adding tender young arugula. For fall, replace peaches with thin slices of ripe pear and add some toasted walnuts. Winter adaptations could include blood oranges or pomegranate seeds instead of peaches, paired with hothouse tomatoes. The basic formula of fruit, tomato, mozzarella, and herbs creates a versatile template for seasonal creativity.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this Peach Tomato Caprese ahead of time?

While you can prepare the pesto vinaigrette up to a day ahead, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving. The fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and peaches will release moisture over time, which can make the dish watery. If needed, slice the ingredients ahead and store separately, then arrange and dress the salad right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for the balsamic glaze?

If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can use aged balsamic vinegar as mentioned in the instructions. You can also make your own glaze by simmering regular balsamic vinegar until reduced by half and slightly thickened. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey with a few drops of regular balsamic vinegar can provide a similar sweet-tangy finish.

→ How do I select the best peaches for this dish?

Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't mushy. They should smell fragrant and sweet at the stem end. For this salad, peaches that are ripe but still firm work best as they'll hold their shape when sliced. Both yellow and white peaches work well, though white peaches tend to be sweeter and less acidic.

→ Can I use store-bought pesto for the vinaigrette?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine in the vinaigrette. Choose a high-quality refrigerated pesto rather than shelf-stable versions for the best flavor. If you have homemade pesto on hand, that's even better and will give your vinaigrette a fresher taste.

→ What can I serve with this Peach Tomato Caprese?

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete meal. It also makes a wonderful starter before pasta dishes or risotto. For a light lunch, serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices and vinaigrette. The salad is particularly lovely for summer entertaining alongside other seasonal dishes.

→ How ripe should the tomatoes be?

Use fully ripe heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor. They should be slightly soft when gently squeezed, with vibrant color and a sweet, earthy aroma. Different colored heirloom varieties will add visual appeal to the dish, but any ripe, flavorful tomatoes will work well.