This Copycat Panera Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe just might be the best thing you eat all summer!
Hi guys!
I've always had a soft spot for Panera Bread. Growing up in Orlando there was one near a cute shopping area my Mom and I liked to go to. It was when there were just a few of the chain around and it was a real treat to go. We'd go and eat and then shop for the afternoon. I loved it because they had creative vegetarian sandwiches and salads. Back then being a vegetarian wasn't that popular and I'd often have trouble finding food to eat when we went out. I always knew Panera Bread had something I would love even back then. To this day I think of my Mom when I eat at one.
Since then Panera has basically taken over the lunch world. I honestly still really love it to this day because of their delicious and generally healthy options. This summer they've had some strawberry features on their menu that I have loved, particularly the Strawberry Caprese Salad. I've ordered it an embarrassingly high number of times. Last week I decided I needed to make the combination for a blog recipe because it is really THAT GOOD. This Copycat Panera Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe totally worked and you guys HAVE to try it.
Why you'll love this Copycat Panera Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe...
If you haven't tried fruit with your Caprese salad yet... you are missing out. My Grilled Peach Caprese Salad is one of my favorite summer recipes and I think this strawberry version is just as good.
The sweet berries pair perfectly with the fresh and creamy mozzarella cheese and sweet, fragrant basil. It is seriously like a bite of heaven in your mouth!
This salad is also especially tasty because it has a combination of crispy romaine lettuce and peppery arugula. If you want to make it a bit simpler, just use the arugula.
The finishing touch is a drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar or glaze. You can make your own glaze by simply reducing balsamic vinegar over the stovetop BUT with twin boys, I don't have time for such things anymore. I'm a big fan of buying one at the store.
This one on Amazon is one of my favorites.
Don't you just want that bite!
Ingredients in this Copycat Panera Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe
This simple and gorgeous Panera Bread salad comes together with just a few simple ingredients. With recipes like this, I recommend focusing on getting the freshest veggies and high quaily oils/vinegar as possible to get the best flavor.
- Strawberry
- Tomato
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Glaze
- Green - chopped romaine & arugula
- Fresh Basil
How to make my Copycat Panera Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe...
- Toss the greens in olive oil and season them with salt and pepper.
- Top the greens with the berries, tomato and fresh mozzarella.
- Garnish with the balsamic vinegar and fresh basil.
That's it! Serve and enjoy immediately.
Enjoy this Copycat Panera Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe for lunch or dinner! I swear it tastes even better outside.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Love caprese as much as I do??? Also try...
- Grilled Peach Caprese Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Caprese Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms
- Caprese Crustless Quiche
- Caprese Avocado Salad
Pin for later...
Copycat Panera Strawberry Caprese Salad recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces mini fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- balsamic glaze to taste
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
Instructions
- Toss the romaine and arugula in the olive oil and lightly salt and pepper the greens. Divide in half and put the greens in two bowls.
- Top with the sliced strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. Drizzle the balsamic glaze on top. Garnish with the basil chiffonade.
Notes
Nutrition
Your turn!
What's your favorite order at Panera Bread?
Ruth Malick says
Do you buy balsamic glaze st the grocery or do you make it?
JulieWunder says
I buy this one ---> https://amzn.to/2KNkH0Z For the photo I reduced it further to make it thicker so it wouldn't look messy but I'd just serve it as is!
Susan says
This looks better than Panera's version! Lovely photos!
Sarah @ Bucket List Tummy says
Love this idea of adding fruit to a caprese salad, looks perfect for summer!
Brian Jones says
Delicious, simple and quick, we loved this recipe, thank you!
Laura says
I get a great feeling just from looking at the recipe images. Just look at that color! It can easily make any summer day a special one. And I am sure it is as delicious as it looks.
Farrah says
Ahhh, I love any kind of caprese salad and strawberries are awesome. This looks amazing!! *-*
Bethany Rutledge says
This looks crazy good and I would definitely love to order it. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Lesli Schwartz says
This is one of my favorite salads at Panera! Can't wait to make this at home! Thank you!
Beth Neels says
This salad is so amazing! My family just loved it! We have never eaten it at Panera, but that's fine because now I can make my own at home! Thanks!
Angela says
This sounds so amazing! I have not tried the Panera version, but I am really looking forward to making this at home!
Sarah says
Caprese salad use to be a summer staple for me and I would eat it almost daily! The addition of strawberries sounds amazing!
Leslie says
I, too have a soft spot for Panera! There hasn't been a single thing from there that I haven't liked. It sure can get pricey though! Love this recipe!
Kalee says
I just saw the Strawberry Caprese salad at Panera last week, and this one looks even better! I can't wait to try it!
Kelly says
The strawberries are so good right now! I love balsamic with them. Such a good combo.
Deborah Brooks says
I have not tried the Panera one yet but I bet yours is pretty tasty. Caprese salads are my fave and adding in strawberries is a fun twist
Wendy says
Yes please!!!
Abbey Sharp says
Love everything that's going on in this salad. Fresh strawberries, cheese and most importantly that balsamic glaze! Can't wait to try this salad!
Lisa Ballantyne says
This looks amazing! Too bad our closest Panera is elsewhere!