Sun, fun, and picnics are what summer is all about!
When we head out on some kind of family adventure for the afternoon, I am the one that gets the lunch packed for the whole crew. Whether we go boating on the lake, play at the pool or go on a hike…I love to pack some (healthy) food rather than go to some drive-up on the way.
(Don’t get me wrong, I could always stop for some chili cheese fries any day!)
I love putting food in little mason jars. Especially for a picnic. By already having individual servings in each jar, it makes it very easy to travel with and serve.
This is why I love having some Picnic Style Caprese Salad in the cooler. It’s so simple to make. It’s very convenient to hand out with some sandwiches.
The pearl-sized fresh mozzarella with the grape tomatoes swirled around the fresh basil leaves in olive oil…is pretty simple. And, not to mention refreshingly delicious!
Putting this together is very fast and simple! Very few ingredients. And, no turning on the oven. That’s always a good thing, right?
Cut all of the grape tomatoes in halves and put in a large mixing bowl. It makes it easier to eat when everything is about the same size.
After you’ve drained the mozzarella, put inside of some paper towels to get any excess liquid out. Drizzle over the olive oil.
Toss in the fresh basil and shake in some salt and pepper.
So the next time you head out for the afternoon, pack some Caprese Salad with a little bit of picnic style!
Where are your favorite places to have picnics?
Enjoy, my friends!
- 1 (8 oz.) package pearl size fresh mozzarella
- 1 (10 oz.) package grape tomatoes, cut in halves
- 12 large fresh basil leaves, broken in pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 4 (8 oz. size) jars for serving.
- Stir in cut tomatoes, drained mozzarella, olive oil, and basil in a large mixing bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill before serving.
- Optional: serve in 4 individual jars.
This Picnic Style Caprese Salad was shared and linked up to party with {Lady Behind The Curtain}
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Ok so I can totally eat chili cheese fries every single day but this salad is amazing! I have so many cherry tomatoes right now so this is perfect, but besides that it makes a great afternoon lunch with this brutal heat we’re having. Thanks so much Gloria! Going to make a batch now!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl recently posted…Stay Cool
Gloria says
Now, I really wish we lived closer to each other! (We’d share some killer chili cheese fries!)
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
Sounds amazing Gloria! And you packaged it so beautifully. I love caprese salad and this is a great way to travel with it. YUM! 🙂
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted…Double Chocolate Chip Blondie Bites
Gloria says
Thank you so much, Anne! I love these little wide-mouth jars…so convenient to eat out of when you’re on the go! (=
Catherine says
Dear Gloria, This is a beautiful picture. It is nice enough for a magazine.
I love this salad, especially with good bread to dip. Beautiful. Blessings dear. Catherine xo
Gloria says
You just made my whole day! Thank you for the super sweet comment Catherine! Hope you’re having a wonderful Monday!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Loving everything about this fun and creative way to serve Caprese! Gloria, I gotta try it. Thanks for sharing! Hope your weekend was fab.
sally @ sallys baking addiction recently posted…Peaches ‘n Cream Bars.
Gloria says
Thank you Sally! I love using jars…for tons of things! Happy Monday!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Gloria, I just love Caprese salad and this looks fabulous! What a fantastic idea to “take it along!” Fantastic photos, too. Love it, love it, love it! Pinning and buffering – have a great evening and a good Monday!
Cindy Eikenberg recently posted…Frozen Lemon Soufflé and A Happy Announcement!
Gloria says
Thank you Cindy! You’re always so sweet and kind! (=
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
This is beautiful and so simple to make! i would love to have this salad at a picnic for sure. Tell me though, Gloria: Do you really tie that pretty twine around your jars before you pack them? You are so elegant that it wouldn’t surprise me if you do! I’m just happy if I can find the right tupperware lids when I’m packing snacks. That’s why you aren’t called Weary Gloria 😉
Andi @ The Weary Chef recently posted…Easy Weekly Dinner Menu #26 – We are not gourmets.
Gloria says
You are hilarious Andi! I personally don’t like plastic…things taste funny to me. So, I even have the large and medium sized mason jars for drinking glasses. (I’m sure that’s a bit red-neck, right? They are the only glasses that do not break when my boys are putting the dishes away. But, yes…I actually put ribbon/twine on everything. Even when I leave treats out for the milkman! (You should see my basket of “accessories”.)
Sugar et al says
Such a delicious and healthy picnic dish Gloria. And so unique the way you have packaged it. The best way to showcase a colourful salad!
Sugar et al recently posted…Raspberry Poached Pears With Chocolate Sauce
Gloria says
Thank you Sonali! I love pretty food! (And, especially yours…so pretty!)
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
Holy Guacamole! This looks awesome! Loving the fresh ingredients and how you put it in a cute little mason jar. Beautiful pictures!
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats recently posted…Mini Key Lime Pie
Gloria says
Thank you Krista!! (=
Kelly says
What a cute, neat and super smart way to pack salad along to a picnic! I love that you can eat them right out of the jar too! This caprese salad looks gorgeous and I love all the fresh ingredients! Sounds fantastic Gloria 🙂
Gloria says
It’s truly convenient with the wide-mouth jars! Thanks Kelly!!
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
O.M.G. I love anything caprese and this is going on my I Heart Caprese stuff board…. I also loved how your packed it up – just perfect!!
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner recently posted…The Best Summer Snack!
Gloria says
I love how you have a board all on Caprese dishes…the creativeness is truly endless, don’t you think?! Thank you Deb! Hope you’re having a most fabulous evening…or morning! (Whenever you get to read this!) (=
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I’d love to bring this on my next picnic!! I’m a little obessed with picnics in the summer 🙂
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted…Our First Trip to Savannah, GA {I’m hooked!}
Gloria says
I am as well. We always seem to be heading out in the middle of the day…so then, I get preparing everything in the morning. Love it! Thanks Ashley! Enjoy your day today!!
Reba - Not So Perfect Life says
Yumm. I love buying those little mozzarella balls at Trader Joes! I love how portable this snack is.
Reba – Not So Perfect Life recently posted…Weekend Activities: Smorgasburg and the NYRR Queens 10K
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
Gloria, this is such a cute idea! Now I have to go buy the things to make caprese salad so I can make these! Pinned to my Savory Dishes board and one of my large group boards! 🙂
Julie @ This Gal Cooks recently posted…Vegan Apple Berry Bran Muffins
Irina @ wandercrush says
Lovely photos—so bright and evocative of summer! Caprese at a picnic is something I’ve never thought of, but it’s such a good idea.
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