Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil

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There’s something utterly magical about the way a grilled steak, marinated in tangy balsamic vinegar, pairs with fresh, creamy mozzarella, sweet ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil brings together those beloved flavors in one gloriously juicy, savory dish that screams summer on a plate.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner or simply craving something that’s easy yet elegant, this dish fits the bill perfectly. The warm char from the grill, the cold creamy cheese, and the fresh punch of basil make every bite something to savor. It’s a meal that satisfies steak lovers while surprising them with an Italian-inspired twist.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese

This dish is more than just a grilled steak. It’s a celebration of texture and flavor. You get the rich umami depth of the steak, balanced beautifully by the sweetness of balsamic glaze. Then there’s the classic caprese trio: mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, which lifts the entire meal with freshness.

What really seals the deal is how easy it is to put together. There’s no complicated sauce, no long prep. Just quality ingredients doing their delicious thing, and a quick grilling session. It’s dinner that feels fancy but comes together with weeknight simplicity.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For this dish, you want a steak that can stand up to high heat and deliver bold flavor. Ribeye, flank, or sirloin are excellent choices. Ribeye offers buttery richness, while flank gives you more chew and a deeper beefiness. Sirloin sits nicely in the middle.

Marinate whichever cut you choose in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and a few herbs to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Grill it to your preferred doneness, then let it rest before slicing thinly over the salad elements. This ensures juicy, flavorful bites every time.

Ingredients for the Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil

To make this dish come alive, the ingredients need to be fresh and high quality. It’s a simple recipe, but every component plays a vital role in delivering that bright, savory, and summery bite. Here are the key ingredients and why they matter:

• Steak
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh mozzarella
• Tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Balsamic glaze

Steak is the star, so go for a good-quality cut that grills beautifully. Balsamic vinegar adds tang and acts as a tenderizer in the marinade. Olive oil keeps everything luscious and helps carry flavor deep into the steak. Garlic brings warmth and savoriness. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning.

You’ll need fresh mozzarella for its creaminess, tomatoes for their juicy sweetness, and fresh basil to deliver that unmistakable herbaceous lift. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for concentrated sweetness that ties it all together.

How To Make the Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade and allow it to come to room temperature.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

Place the steak on the grill and cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, grill about 4-5 minutes per side depending on the thickness. Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes once off the grill to allow juices to redistribute.

Step 4: Assemble the Caprese

Slice the steak against the grain. Arrange thick slices of tomato and mozzarella on a platter, tuck in whole basil leaves, and layer the steak slices over the top.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle everything with balsamic glaze, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired, and serve immediately while the steak is still warm.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common mistake with grilled steak caprese is skipping the marination time or not giving it long enough. The balsamic marinade not only flavors the steak but helps tenderize it, so don’t rush this step. Another pitfall is overcooking the steak. High heat is great, but it’s essential to watch your timing. Use a thermometer if needed to hit that perfect medium-rare to medium sweet spot.

Also, don’t slice the steak right off the grill. Letting it rest locks in those juices, so give it a few minutes before slicing. Finally, avoid overloading the dish with glaze. A light drizzle enhances flavor, but too much can overpower the freshness of the tomatoes and basil.

Serving and Storing This Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese

This dish is ideal for feeding four to six people, depending on portion sizes and sides. Serve it as a main dish for lunch or dinner, either plated individually or family-style on a large platter.

If you happen to have leftovers, store the components separately when possible. Keep the steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep it tender. The tomato, basil, and mozzarella mix is best enjoyed fresh, but can last a day in the fridge.

What to Serve With Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese?

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Crispy and golden on the outside with a soft center, they make the perfect hearty side.

Grilled Asparagus

The smoky char from the grill pairs beautifully with the steak and fresh veggies.

Garlic Bread

Something crusty and warm to sop up any leftover balsamic glaze and steak juices.

Creamy Polenta

For a more comforting feel, creamy polenta adds a soft base to contrast the chewy steak.

Zucchini Noodles

If you’re aiming for a lighter option, these “zoodles” soak up flavor without adding heaviness.

Mixed Green Salad

Keep it fresh and simple with a crisp salad tossed in olive oil and lemon.

Caprese Stuffed Avocados

If you love the flavor combo, this variation complements the dish with a creamy twist.

Herb Butter Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn meets herby, garlicky butter for a summery side that’s hard to beat.

Want More Steak Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil, don’t miss these other mouthwatering steak-inspired dishes from Nina Dishes:

• Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni for a pasta-filled steak dinner you’ll crave.
• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo when you’re in the mood for bold spice and a creamy sauce.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini for cozy comfort in every forkful.
• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re after a fuss-free yet flavorful beef dinner.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use flank or ribeye? Did you add a touch of chili or keep it mellow?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and crowd-pleasing mains on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dishes for any season!

Conclusion

Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil is everything we love about summer cooking: fresh, fast, and bursting with flavor. The juicy steak contrasts beautifully with creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil, creating a dish that feels special without being fussy.

Whether you’re making it for guests or indulging solo on a warm evening, this recipe brings elegance to your table with almost no effort. It might just become your favorite way to grill this season.

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