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Fresh Mason Jar Caprese Salad with Easy Pesto Vinaigrette

Fresh Mason Jar Caprese Salad - featured image
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A fresh, travel-proof Caprese salad layered in a mason jar with a bright pesto vinaigrette that stays crisp and flavorful for up to 24 hours, perfect for picnics, road trips, or quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120 g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (125 g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
  • ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons pesto (basil pesto recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
  • Optional: shaved Parmesan for extra cheesiness
  • Optional dairy-free: firm tofu cubes seasoned with salt and lemon instead of mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pesto vinaigrette by whisking together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons pesto, and 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper until smooth and pourable.
  2. Pour the pesto vinaigrette into the bottom of a 16 oz (500 ml) mason jar.
  3. Add ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes and ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls on top of the dressing.
  4. Top with ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, keeping them dry and unbruised.
  5. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate if not eating immediately. The salad stays fresh up to 24 hours.
  6. Before serving, shake the jar gently to mix the dressing or pour contents into a bowl and toss lightly. Enjoy straight from the jar or plated.

Notes

Layer dressing at the bottom to keep basil leaves fresh and prevent wilting. Use mozzarella balls instead of sliced mozzarella to avoid sogginess. Prepare vinaigrette fresh daily or store separately for best flavor. Keep salad refrigerated until serving. Optional add-ins include toasted nuts or shaved Parmesan. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with seasoned tofu and pesto with nut-free basil sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, mason jar salad, pesto vinaigrette, travel salad, picnic salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/fresh-mason-jar-caprese-salad-recipe-with-easy-pesto-vinaigrette-perfect-for-travel/