Smoked Caprese Salad offers a unique twist on a traditional Italian favorite, combining smoky, savory elements with fresh basil, tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls. The salad is briefly smoked on the grill, allowing the mild cheese and juicy tomatoes to absorb gentle, wood-fired flavors.
Smoked Caprese Salad
I love a good caprese, especially in the height of fresh tomato season. There's not really a better flavor profile than those fresh summer tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh cut basil. The good news is that you can enjoy a great caprese any time of year thanks to the explosion of the cherry and grape tomato market. These are typically available year-round, and taste great in this smoked caprese.
For this dish we just took your typical fresh caprese and tossed it in the smoker. It adds such incredible flavor to the dish, and the mozzarella gets good and melty, too. Perfect for heaping on a toasty garlic bread, too.
It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and makes an excellent appetizer or light dish. The drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while Italian herbs provide aromatic depth. Serve it with toasted baguette slices for the perfect crunch.
Why you'll love it!
- Easy to Make: Simple prep and minimal ingredients.
- Unique Flavor: Adds a subtle smoky taste and makes the mozzarella so melty!
- Versatile: Works as a starter, side dish, or light meal.
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes keeps it refreshing.
- Grill-Friendly: Ideal for summer grilling or entertaining outdoors.
Try our Classic Caprese Recipe!
Recipe Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Mozzarella Pearls
- Fresh Basil, chopped
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Italian Herbs
- Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper
How about some Italian Pasta Salad!
How To Make This Recipe
This is just the overview so you can see what you're actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you'll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare the Salad: Combine the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a grill-safe baking dish.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Smoke on the Grill: Preheat the grill to 200°F. Place the baking dish on the grill and smoke for 20 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and enjoy with toasted baguette rounds.
Use the rest of that basil in this Bruschetta Recipe!
Recipe FAQ
Yes! If you make this in advance make sure to refrigerate the salad until it is ready to be served if it'll be more than an hour or so before people will be enjoying it. You will lose the melty cheese aspect, but the smoke flavor is what really matters and will be maintained.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the mozzarella may lose some of its texture over time.
Yup! You can reheat back in the smoker or even in an air fryer for a couple of minutes if you want to stay indoors or not fire up your smoker just for a reheat.
You can use sliced fresh mozzarella or burrata for a creamier option.
Try our Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe, too!
Serve This With…
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Skewers
- Garlic Butter Pasta
- Chilled White Wine, like Sauvignon Blanc
- Blackstone Asparagus
More Traeger Recipes
Smoked Caprese Salad#
Ingredients#
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- ⅛ cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅛ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions#
- Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to a grill-safe baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the tomato mixture and toss to combine.
- Preheat your grill to 200°F.
- Place the baking dish in the grill and let smoke for 20 minutes.
- Remove and serve with toasted baguette rounds.