Mason Jar Caprese Salad (Printable Format)

Layered cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic in a portable mason jar for easy meals.

# What's Needed:

→ Vegetables & Herbs

01 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
03 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Dressing

04 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Divide the dressing evenly among four clean pint-sized (16 ounce) mason jars, pouring it into the bottom of each.
03 - Add cherry tomato halves as the first layer on top of the dressing in each jar.
04 - Place mozzarella balls as the second layer in each jar.
05 - Top with fresh basil leaves as the final layer.
06 - Seal the jars tightly with lids and refrigerate until ready to serve.
07 - When serving, shake the jar gently to distribute the dressing, or pour contents onto a plate and toss gently.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You can make it the night before and it stays crisp, unlike regular salads that go limp in an hour.
  • Shaking it in the jar feels like a small ritual—way more fun than tossing on a plate.
  • It's a conversation starter at picnics because everyone wants to know how you got the layers so perfect.
02 -
  • If your tomatoes are very juicy, they'll release liquid throughout the day—this is normal and actually adds to the dressing, but if you're worried, pat them dry before layering.
  • Don't skip the oil at the bottom; it's the invisible magic that keeps your salad from becoming a watery mess.
03 -
  • If you find your jars sweating in your picnic bag, wrap them in a thin kitchen towel—it absorbs condensation and keeps everything from getting soggy around the edges.
  • Bring the jars unsealed in a small cooler and screw the lids on right before eating; they'll feel fresher and the basil stays brighter.
Return