Name: Peach Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 fresh mozzarella balls (about 8 oz / 225 g total); 2 ripe peaches — slightly firm, not overly soft; 2 cups (60 g) arugula (rocket); A handful of fresh basil leaves; 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml); 1 teaspoon honey (5 ml); 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze or reduction (5 ml); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional:; A pinch of flaky sea salt; A drizzle of extra honey if your peaches aren’t super sweet

There’s something magical about summer salads — the kind that come together in minutes but feel like something you’d order at a sunny café overlooking the sea. This peach caprese salad recipe is exactly that kind of dish for me. It’s fresh, colorful, slightly sweet, and a little bit fancy — but still ridiculously easy to make.

I first fell in love with this combination during a heatwave a few years ago. I remember standing in my kitchen, staring at a basket of peaches that were just about to turn too ripe, and a few mozzarella balls leftover from a pizza night. The usual tomato-mozzarella combo just didn’t excite me that day. So I swapped the tomatoes for sliced peaches — and instantly discovered my new favorite summer salad.

Since then, this has been my go-to dish whenever I need:

A refreshing lunch that doesn’t require cooking.
A colorful side for grilled chicken or fish.
A light appetizer to impress guests at summer dinners.
Or simply something to remind me that the best meals are often the simplest.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Caprese Salad

Here’s why I keep coming back to this recipe again and again:

It’s effortless. Seriously — it takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
No stove, no oven, no stress. Perfect for hot days when turning on the oven feels like a crime.
It looks beautiful. Those layers of creamy white mozzarella, bright orange peaches, and green basil look like edible art.
It’s versatile. You can serve it as a starter, side dish, or even a light lunch.
Sweet meets savory. The juicy peaches pair perfectly with the mild, milky mozzarella and peppery arugula.

If you’re already a fan of classic Caprese salad, this is a fun seasonal upgrade that feels both elegant and comforting.

Peach Caprese Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to make magic happen here — just seven simple ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

2 fresh mozzarella balls (about 8 oz / 225 g total)
2 ripe peaches — slightly firm, not overly soft
2 cups (60 g) arugula (rocket)
A handful of fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
1 teaspoon honey (5 ml)
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze or reduction (5 ml)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional:

A pinch of flaky sea salt
A drizzle of extra honey if your peaches aren’t super sweet

Nothing fancy, nothing complicated — just fresh, quality ingredients that do all the work for you.

Prep Time and Serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes for resting or chilling (optional)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2–3 as an appetizer, 1–2 as a light main course

Step-by-Step Instructions

You can see from the photos how beautifully simple this salad is — but let’s walk through it together.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start with the freshest ingredients you can find.

Wash the arugula and basil leaves, then pat them completely dry.
Slice the mozzarella into even rounds (about ¼ inch / 0.5 cm thick).
Cut the peaches into wedges or thin slices — leave the skin on for color and texture.

Slightly firm peaches hold their shape better in salads and don’t get mushy when drizzled with dressing.

2. Build Your Salad Base

Place a generous handful of arugula on a large serving plate.
This adds a peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the peaches.
You can keep it simple or toss the arugula lightly with a few drops of olive oil and a pinch of salt before layering.

3. Layer Peaches and Mozzarella

Now for the fun part — the pattern.

Alternate slices of mozzarella and slices of peach, slightly overlapping them in a circular pattern around the plate.
Keep layering until you’ve used everything, leaving a little space for basil leaves on top.

It’s such a satisfying process — and honestly, it looks so pretty that it’s hard to believe it took less than 10 minutes to make.

4. Add Basil and Drizzle

Once your peach-mozzarella layers are arranged:

Scatter fresh basil leaves generously on top.
Drizzle with olive oil, a touch of honey, and balsamic glaze.
Finish with a crack of black pepper and a tiny pinch of sea salt if you like.

That’s all — no complicated dressing, no mixing bowls, no whisking. The ingredients themselves create the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and peppery flavors.

5. Optional: Chill Before Serving

If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 5–10 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the balsamic glaze to slightly soak into the cheese — giving you that perfect bite every time.

Serving Suggestions

This peach caprese salad recipe works beautifully in so many settings.

As a starter: It’s light, refreshing, and sets the perfect tone for a summer dinner.
Alongside grilled meats: Especially chicken, pork, or shrimp — the sweet-savory combo complements smoky flavors perfectly.
For brunch: Pair it with crusty sourdough bread and a chilled glass of white wine.
At picnics: Assemble everything except the dressing, pack it up, and drizzle the glaze just before serving.

You can even turn it into a mini appetizer platter by slicing everything smaller and serving on skewers.

Flavor Variations

If you’re like me and love experimenting, here are a few ways to switch things up:

Try nectarines or plums instead of peaches.
Add prosciutto or serrano ham for a salty-sweet combination.
Swap mozzarella for burrata if you want extra creaminess.
Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts (like pistachios or almonds) for crunch.
Use lemon juice instead of balsamic for a brighter, citrusy dressing.

Each variation brings its own charm, but the original is timeless for a reason — it’s balanced, elegant, and utterly delicious.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare parts of this salad in advance if you’re entertaining or meal-prepping.

Slice the mozzarella and peaches a few hours before serving and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
Wash and dry the greens in advance and keep them refrigerated in a sealed bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Avoid dressing the salad too early — the honey and balsamic glaze can make the peaches a little too soft if they sit for long.

Why This Salad Works

At first glance, peaches and mozzarella might seem like an odd pair. But here’s why it absolutely works.

Contrast in texture: The juicy peaches and creamy mozzarella balance each other perfectly.
Flavor balance: The sweetness of the fruit complements the mild saltiness of the cheese.
Fresh herbs: Basil adds that aromatic freshness that makes everything taste alive.
Simple dressing: Olive oil, honey, and balsamic glaze tie it all together with just enough richness.

Every bite hits the right notes — sweet, salty, creamy, tangy, and peppery — with zero effort.

Leftover Ideas

If you somehow end up with leftovers:

Toss them with extra arugula and a handful of cooked quinoa for a light lunch.
Layer on toasted bread for a quick peach-caprese sandwich.
Or chop everything up and mix with couscous for a quick summer bowl.

This salad is so flexible — it never goes to waste.

A Few Final Tips

Use fresh mozzarella, not the pre-shredded kind.
Go for ripe but firm peaches — they should be fragrant but still have a bit of bite.
Don’t skip the balsamic glaze — it adds that touch of acidity and sweetness that makes the whole dish pop.
Serve it right away for the best texture and flavor.

In Summary

This peach caprese salad recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create the most memorable meals. With just a few fresh peaches, mozzarella, and basil, you can make a dish that feels indulgent and summery — yet takes almost no time at all.

It’s one of those recipes that makes you appreciate the beauty of slowing down and savoring each bite. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it solo on a quiet afternoon, it never fails to impress.

If you’re looking for a new go-to summer salad that’s light, flavorful, and picture-perfect, this one’s it.

Want More Fresh and Easy Appetizers?

If you enjoyed this Peach Caprese Salad, you’ll love these recipes too:
Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe: A Fresh and Fun Appetizer
Easy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe with Puff Pastry

And don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for all my newest creations and quick appetizer ideas:
https://www.pinterest.com/dailyappetizer/

You’ll find plenty of easy, fresh, and colorful recipes that make entertaining or just lunch at home so much more fun.

Peach Caprese Salad Recipe

A refreshing and elegant summer dish, this peach caprese salad recipe combines juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, peppery arugula, and fresh basil. Drizzled with olive oil, honey, and balsamic glaze, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ready in just 10 minutes, this vibrant salad makes a beautiful caprese appetizer or light lunch — a true seasonal favorite for any peach recipes lover.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 fresh mozzarella balls (about 8 oz / 225 g total)
2 ripe peaches — slightly firm, not overly soft
2 cups (60 g) arugula (rocket)
A handful of fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
1 teaspoon honey (5 ml)
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze or reduction (5 ml)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional:
A pinch of flaky sea salt
A drizzle of extra honey if your peaches aren’t super sweet