Name: Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds steak (flank, skirt, or ribeye); ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

There’s something effortlessly romantic about a caprese salad, and when you add grilled steak to the mix, it becomes the kind of meal that stops time. Juicy, charred steak layered with creamy mozzarella, sun-kissed tomatoes, and garden-fresh basil all brought together with a rich balsamic glaze — it’s a warm-weather dish that tastes like a vacation on a plate.

This Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese is perfect for al fresco dinners or when you want to impress without working too hard. The bold flavors of the marinade soak deep into the steak, while the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balsamic beautifully balance the savory meat. It’s rustic yet refined, hearty yet refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese

This dish combines the best of both worlds: the elegance of a traditional caprese with the heartiness of a grilled steak. You get the richness of the beef against the cool, creamy mozzarella and the acidic burst of cherry tomatoes, tied together with fragrant basil and tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. It’s weeknight-easy but dinner-party worthy.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend gathering or looking for a light summer dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

The best choice for this dish is a cut that grills well and offers tenderness with enough structure to slice and stack. Flank steak and skirt steak are both great options. They soak up marinades beautifully and cook quickly over high heat. Ribeye or New York strip also work if you prefer a richer, more marbled bite.

Just be sure to let your steak rest after grilling and slice it against the grain for the most tender results.

Ingredients for the Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese

This dish is all about balancing bold, fresh ingredients. Each component adds to the vibrant harmony of flavors that make this recipe a standout. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it to life:

Steak
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Garlic cloves
Fresh mozzarella
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves
Salt and black pepper

The steak is the centerpiece, bringing richness and satisfying depth. Balsamic vinegar provides sweet acidity and helps tenderize the meat. A drizzle of olive oil enriches the marinade and adds body to the dish. Garlic cloves, when minced, infuse a robust, aromatic flavor into the steak. Fresh mozzarella offers that essential creamy contrast, while cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness that bursts in every bite. Fresh basil leaves are non-negotiable for that iconic caprese brightness. And finally, salt and black pepper round out the seasoning, highlighting every layer of flavor.

Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil 2

How To Make the Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese

Step 1: Make the Balsamic Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let it come to room temperature. Grill each side for 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if preferred. Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to retain its juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Caprese

Slice the steak against the grain. On a serving platter, layer the sliced steak with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves.

Step 4: Drizzle and Serve

Finish the dish with an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze or a quick balsamic reduction for that sticky-sweet tang. Serve immediately while the steak is warm and the cheese is just starting to melt into the tomatoes.

How to Serve and Store Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese

This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, when the steak is juicy and the mozzarella is softening slightly from the heat. It’s ideal served warm as a main course salad or plated over a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a heartier feel.

If you need to store leftovers, place the components in separate airtight containers: steak in one, and the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil in another. This keeps the textures fresh and prevents sogginess. The steak will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently or enjoy it cold for a next-day lunch bowl.

This recipe generously feeds 4 people as a main dish, or 6 if served with sides.

What to Serve With Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese?

Garlic Butter Bread

Warm, crusty bread brushed with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up the juices and balsamic glaze.

Roasted Asparagus

Its mild bitterness complements the tangy-sweet notes of the balsamic and the richness of the steak.

Creamy Polenta

Velvety polenta offers a cozy base if you want to turn this dish into an even heartier meal.

Lemon Herb Couscous

Light and fluffy with a citrusy lift, it balances the savory elements perfectly.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Smoky and sweet, grilled corn enhances the summer feel of this plate.

Classic Caprese Salad

Double down on the caprese vibes and offer it as a bright, crisp starter.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Use it to scoop up every delicious bite. It’s especially great if you’re serving this dish picnic-style.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

For a crowd, you can pair this steak with another protein-forward dish like this one to keep everyone satisfied.

Want More Steak Ideas?

If this Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese hit the spot, you’ll love exploring these other beef-forward dishes packed with bold flavor and fresh inspiration:

Try the Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe when you’re in the mood for a hands-off, melt-in-your-mouth dinner.
This Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells is rich, satisfying, and a fan-favorite on weeknights.
Dig into Steak Tacos with Chipotle Crema if you’re craving something smoky and spicy.
Our Chipotle Steak Recipe (Copycat) is a hit with meal preppers who want restaurant-style at home.
Looking for a veggie pairing? Pair with Roasted Asparagus for that perfect balance of light and hearty.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add avocado or a sprinkle of chili flakes? Did you serve it with naan or keep it light with greens?

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

Explore beautifully curated steak dishes and summer favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for easy entertaining and elevated weeknight meals: Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese isn’t just another steak recipe—it’s a celebration of summer flavors. It brings together the simplicity of fresh ingredients with the indulgence of a perfectly cooked steak. Whether you’re entertaining or simply treating yourself to a gourmet-style meal at home, this recipe brings elegance to the table without the fuss.