There’s nothing like a sweet and savory Marinated Stone Fruit Caprese Salad to celebrate summer! This simple dish highlights the peak-season flavor of stone fruits, enhanced with a light marinade of red wine vinegar, honey, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Served over creamy buffalo mozzarella, this salad is perfect as a last-minute appetizer or side dish. Enjoy it on its own or with toasted bread for a delightful summer treat!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs ripe stone fruit (peaches, plums, apricots), pitted and sliced into wedges
½ lb sweet cherries, pitted and halved
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp honey
6 large basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 lb buffalo mozzarella, torn into pieces (or fresh mozzarella, sliced)
Flaky sea salt

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the stone fruit, cherries, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, basil, oregano, and thyme. Toss well to coat.
Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Arrange the torn mozzarella onto a serving platter.
Spoon the marinated stone fruit over the mozzarella and drizzle with some of the marinade.
Garnish with extra herbs, flaky sea salt, and more cracked black pepper.
Serve as is or with toasted bread on the side.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~300 kcal
Protein: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~25g
Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~20g
Sodium: ~300mg

This vibrant, refreshing salad is an easy and elegant way to enjoy the best of summer produce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Marinated Stone Fruit Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, replacing tomatoes with juicy peaches, plums, and apricots. This simple substitution elevates the dish, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. The marinade enhances the natural sugars in the fruit while complementing the mild saltiness of mozzarella. The result? A refreshing, flavor-packed salad that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, serve it as an appetizer at a summer gathering, or pair it with toasted bread, grilled meats, or a crisp glass of white wine. It’s also a great make-ahead recipe, as the flavors deepen the longer the fruit marinates.

The Magic of Stone Fruits

Stone fruits, also known as drupes, are a staple of summer. Their natural sweetness and vibrant colors make them an excellent addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Peaches, plums, and apricots are some of the most common stone fruits used in this recipe, but you can also experiment with nectarines or even pluots for a different flavor profile.

Each of these fruits brings its own unique qualities to the salad:

Peaches add a soft, juicy texture with a honey-like sweetness.
Plums provide a deeper, slightly tart contrast to balance the dish.
Apricots offer a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other fruits beautifully.

By marinating the fruit in a simple mixture of red wine vinegar, honey, and fresh herbs, their natural flavors are amplified, making them even more irresistible.

The Role of Fresh Mozzarella

Buffalo mozzarella is the perfect creamy counterpart to the bright, acidic fruit. Made from the milk of water buffalo, this cheese is softer and richer than traditional cow’s milk mozzarella. It has a delicate flavor that absorbs the marinade beautifully, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

If buffalo mozzarella is not available, fresh cow’s milk mozzarella is an excellent substitute. It maintains the creamy texture and mild flavor that makes this salad so balanced.

How the Marinade Elevates the Dish

A simple yet flavorful marinade is key to making this salad burst with flavor. The combination of red wine vinegar, honey, and extra-virgin olive oil creates a harmonious blend of acidity, sweetness, and richness. The vinegar enhances the tartness of the fruit, while the honey draws out its natural sugars, creating an irresistible caramelized effect.

The fresh herbs—basil, oregano, and thyme—add layers of depth, infusing the salad with aromatic freshness. These herbs not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a fragrant, earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with both the fruit and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. Here are a few ways to serve and enjoy it:

As a starter: Serve as a light, elegant appetizer before the main course.
With grilled meats: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or seafood for a complete meal.
Over toasted bread: Drizzle the marinade over a slice of crusty bread for a delightful bruschetta-style treat.
With wine: This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light Rosé.
For brunch: Add it to a charcuterie board with prosciutto, nuts, and other fresh fruits.

Health Benefits of This Salad

Beyond its delicious flavor, the Marinated Stone Fruit Caprese Salad is also nutritious. Here’s why:

Stone fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and vitamin A, which support immunity and skin health.
Cherries contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce muscle soreness and improve overall well-being.
Mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health.
Olive oil provides healthy fats, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Fresh herbs offer a variety of micronutrients, including iron, vitamin K, and essential minerals.

With its wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition, this salad is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful yet health-conscious dish.

Tips for the Best Marinated Stone Fruit Caprese Salad

To ensure that your salad turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use ripe, seasonal fruit: The natural sweetness and juiciness of perfectly ripened fruit are key to a flavorful salad.
Let the fruit marinate for at least 30 minutes: This allows the flavors to meld and develop more depth.
Choose high-quality olive oil and vinegar: Since the marinade plays a crucial role, using the best ingredients will make a difference.
Tear the mozzarella instead of slicing it: This helps the cheese absorb the marinade better and creates a more rustic, inviting presentation.
Add flaky sea salt just before serving: It enhances the flavors and gives a slight crunch for extra texture.

Conclusion

The Marinated Stone Fruit Caprese Salad is a celebration of summer’s best produce. With its combination of sweet, tangy fruit, creamy mozzarella, and an herby vinaigrette, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or a light meal, it is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the season’s freshest ingredients.

So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, refreshing, and healthy dish to impress your family and friends, try this Marinated Stone Fruit Caprese Salad. It’s a surefire way to elevate your summer dining experience with minimal effort. Pin it, save it, and make it today!

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