Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil
If you’re craving something indulgent yet incredibly fresh, this grilled balsamic steak caprese is a mouthwatering way to celebrate summer flavors. Imagine a juicy, grilled steak marinated in a balsamic glaze, topped with slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil leaves. It brings together the best of a classic caprese salad and hearty grilled steak into one satisfying dish.
This recipe delivers that elegant Italian vibe without fuss. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners on the patio or impressing guests at your next BBQ. Each bite brings together savory charred meat, creamy mozzarella, and the tangy sweetness of balsamic reduction, all complemented by fresh herbs and vibrant tomatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese
This dish stands out for its simplicity and flavor. It doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or complex prep. The ingredients shine on their own. The balsamic marinade infuses the steak with rich, slightly sweet notes, while the mozzarella melts just enough to hug the tomato slices warmly. Fresh basil ties it all together with a pop of green brightness.
And the versatility? Off the charts. You can serve it as a main course, slice it up for sandwiches, or toss it into a salad bowl. It feels like gourmet dining made totally doable.
What Kind of Steak Should I Use?
Choosing the right steak is key here. Go for a cut that grills beautifully and stays juicy like flank, sirloin, or ribeye. Flank steak is lean but becomes incredibly tender when marinated. Sirloin has great flavor and a nice balance of fat, while ribeye is the richest and most indulgent option. If you’re planning to serve guests, ribeye will wow them. But for meal prepping or weeknights, sirloin or flank keeps things light and budget-friendly.
Ingredients for the Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient plays a big role. You don’t need a long grocery list to make something spectacular—just a few high-quality staples that bring flavor and texture in all the right ways.
- Steak: The star of the dish. Choose a cut like flank, sirloin, or ribeye that grills well and holds flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds deep, tangy-sweet complexity to the marinade and makes the steak sing.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and adds a fruity richness.
- Garlic: Infuses the steak with a warm, earthy undertone.
- Salt and pepper: Basic, yes, but essential for enhancing every other flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella: Creamy and mild, it balances the boldness of the steak and tang of the balsamic.
- Tomatoes: Bright, juicy, and slightly acidic to cut through the richness.
- Fresh basil: A fragrant finish that lifts the entire dish.


How To Make the Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the steak, coating it thoroughly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill it for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling.
Step 3: Prepare the Caprese Toppings
While the steak rests, slice your tomatoes and mozzarella. Tear or chop the basil leaves.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Slice the rested steak against the grain. Lay steak slices on a serving platter, alternating with slices of mozzarella and tomato. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired and scatter fresh basil over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving and Storing This Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese
This recipe serves about 4 people generously, though it’s easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd. The dish is best served right after grilling, while the steak is warm and juicy and the mozzarella just begins to soften from the heat. If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently or enjoy the steak cold in a salad or sandwich.
If you’re meal prepping, you can grill the steak ahead of time and assemble the caprese portion right before serving. This way, everything remains fresh and vibrant.
What to Serve With Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese?
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes laced with roasted garlic are a cozy match for the bold, tangy steak.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Adds a crisp and citrusy touch that lightens the plate and balances the richness.
Herbed Couscous or Quinoa
A great grain option that absorbs extra balsamic juices and ties everything together.
Rustic Sourdough Bread
Perfect for mopping up that delicious balsamic glaze and steak drippings.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet and smoky corn brings out the charred edges of the steak beautifully.
Arugula and Spinach Salad
Tossed in a light vinaigrette, this salad adds freshness and a slight peppery bite.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Double down on those tomato and mozzarella flavors with a pasta version to complement your main dish.
Crispy Polenta Fries
Golden and crunchy, these fries add fun texture and make your plate feel restaurant-worthy.
Want More Steak Dinner Ideas?
If this grilled balsamic steak caprese is your kind of weeknight luxury, you might also fall in love with these flavorful main dishes:
- Try the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a comforting twist on pasta night.
- Go for the Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine if you’re craving creamy and zesty.
- Cozy up to Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a classic that never fails.
- Fire up the grill again with Flavorful Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa for a punch of Caribbean spice.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime you need a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal.
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you switch up the cheese or try heirloom tomatoes? Let me know in the comments and share your own delicious twist.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and refreshing summer dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover what you’ll be cooking next!
Conclusion
Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese brings together the soul of summer and the comfort of a well-made steak dinner. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a hot grill, you can put together a dish that’s equal parts elegant and effortless. Whether you’re hosting dinner or just feeding yourself something special, this one’s bound to become a repeat on your table.
Print
Grilled Balsamic Steak Caprese with Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This grilled balsamic steak caprese recipe is a fresh and hearty summer dinner featuring marinated steak, creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for BBQs or easy weeknight meals. A caprese-style steak dish that’s both elegant and effortless.
Ingredients
1 lb flank steak
1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp black pepper
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
1⁄4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add steak and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill steak for 4–5 minutes per side. Let rest 5–10 minutes.
3. While resting, slice tomatoes and mozzarella, and prepare basil.
4. Slice steak against the grain. Layer steak, mozzarella, and tomatoes on a platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with basil. Serve warm.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for best flavor.
Resting the steak is crucial for juiciness.
Optional: add a drizzle of store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 6 oz steak with toppings)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg