Insanely Easy Peach Caprese Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette
This Peach Caprese with Hot Honey Might Be the Best Salad You Make All Summer
Sweet, juicy peaches replace tomatoes in this summery twist on Caprese, layered with creamy mozzarella, torn basil, and a chili-spiked honey vinaigrette that ties it all together. Bright, bold, no cooking required.
A Caprese Glow-Up You’ll Crave All Season
The traditional Caprese salad – tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil – is a summer classic. But what happens when you swap those tomatoes for juicy, peak-season peaches? Magic. That’s what!
This Peach Caprese Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette takes the familiar flavors of a Caprese and gives them a high-summer twist. Sweet, sun-ripened peaches bring their soft flesh and floral aroma to the party, playing off creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of warm, spicy honey vinaigrette that makes everything taste like it came from a chic countryside picnic.
And the best part? It’s ready in minutes, requires no cooking, and looks like it belongs on the cover of a summer food magazine.
Why It Works
- Sweet & savory contrast: Peaches bring juicy sweetness that balances beautifully with creamy cheese and salty vinaigrette.
- Hot honey vinaigrette = flavor bomb: Not just heat — the vinaigrette adds tang, depth, and a little buzz of chili warmth.
- Gorgeous presentation: Layered on a platter like a summer board. Perfect for entertaining.
- Flexible & fresh: Swap in nectarines, burrata, or prosciutto for easy variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 3–4 ripe peaches, pitted and thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn (or use mozzarella balls)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, whole or torn
- Optional: prosciutto, arugula, or toasted nuts
For the Hot Honey Vinaigrette:
- 2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or DIY: mix honey + chili flakes)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white balsamic
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds richness)
- Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
Don’t have hot honey? Mix 2 tbsp regular honey with ¼–½ tsp chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.
⏱ Timing & Servings
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Cook time | None |
| Total time | ~10–15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 as a side, 2 as a main |
Instructions
1. Make the Hot Honey Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the hot honey, vinegar, olive oil, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust: add more chili if you like heat, more honey for sweetness.
Pro Tip: Warm the honey slightly before mixing for better emulsification.
2. Layer the Salad
On a large platter or shallow serving board, layer the peach slices and mozzarella in an overlapping pattern. Tuck basil leaves between the layers. If using prosciutto or arugula, nestle it around the edges.
3. Drizzle & Finish
Spoon or drizzle the hot honey vinaigrette generously over the top of the salad. Finish with a few cracks of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt if desired.
Serve chilled or at room temp — either way, it sings.
Optional Add-Ons
| Upgrade | Try This |
|---|---|
| More crunch | Add toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts |
| More heat | Add thinly sliced fresh chili or extra hot honey |
| Creamier twist | Use burrata instead of mozzarella |
| Make it a main | Serve over arugula or farro, or pair with grilled chicken or shrimp |
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate – Serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 kcal |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Sugars | 12g (natural + honey) |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | ~200mg |
Fresh, light, and nutrient-rich — with enough fat and sweetness to satisfy.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Caprese Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette is what happens when a classic Italian combo meets peak summer produce and a spicy drizzle. It’s easy enough for Tuesday lunch but stunning enough for your next dinner party. No cooking. No stress. Just big flavor and beautiful vibes.
Insanely Easy Peach Caprese Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the hot honey, vinegar, olive oil, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust: add more chili if you like heat, more honey for sweetness.
- Pro Tip: Warm the honey slightly before mixing for better emulsification.
- On a large platter or shallow serving board, layer the peach slices and mozzarella in an overlapping pattern. Tuck basil leaves between the layers. If using prosciutto or arugula, nestle it around the edges.
- Spoon or drizzle the hot honey vinaigrette generously over the top of the salad. Finish with a few cracks of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temp — either way, it sings.
Nutrition
Notes
- More crunch Add toasted almonds, pistachios, or walnuts
- More heat Add thinly sliced fresh chili or extra hot honey
- Creamier twist Use burrata instead of mozzarella
- Make it a main Serve over arugula or farro, or pair with grilled chicken or shrimp
