Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad – A Fresh and Elegant Appetizer
Nothing beats the simplicity and fresh flavors of a classic Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad. This recipe takes the beloved Caprese ingredients – juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil – and turns them into a beautiful, easy-to-serve appetizer or salad. Dressed with a light basil-infused olive oil, this dish is vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for any gathering. For an extra touch of elegance, serve it in individual glasses with a garnish of cheese straws or breadsticks!
Recipe: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad or Appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Calories: 100 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
Dressing:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 6 large basil leaves
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
Salad:
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (use multicolor heirloom if available)
- 12 large basil leaves, julienned
- 1 8-ounce package fresh mozzarella balls (pearls or Ciliegine)
Optional Garnish:
- Small breadstick or cheese straws
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Basil Dressing
- Blend the Dressing
- In a blender, combine the olive oil, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend until almost smooth to create a basil-infused dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Halve the Tomatoes
- Cut the cherry or grape tomatoes in half.
- Julienne the Basil
- Stack the remaining basil leaves, roll them up, and slice thinly to create basil ribbons.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained mozzarella balls, basil ribbons, and cherry tomato halves.
- Add the Dressing
- Pour the basil dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Elegant Presentation
- For a beautiful presentation, divide the salad into individual serving glasses or small bowls and provide a spoon for easy serving.
- Optional Garnish
- Garnish each glass with a cheese straw or small breadstick for added texture and style.
- Serve Immediately
- This Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately and savor the flavors!
Tips for Making the Perfect Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella make all the difference in flavor.
- Try Multicolor Tomatoes: If available, opt for multicolor heirloom cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation.
- Serve in Glasses for Elegance: Serving in individual glasses makes this appetizer elegant and easy to enjoy, perfect for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad is a delightful, refreshing appetizer that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, parties, or as a light, no-fuss salad. The simple basil dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and creaminess of the mozzarella, making each bite irresistible. It’s easy to make, looks stunning on any table, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad or Appetizer
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad combines juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and aromatic basil with a light olive oil dressing. Perfect as a salad or a bite-sized appetizer, this dish brings a refreshing taste of Italy to any occasion. The bright colors and flavors make it a visually stunning and delicious choice for entertaining.
Ingredients
Dressing:
4 tbsp olive oil
6 large basil leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Salad:
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (use multicolor heirloom if available)
12 large basil leaves, julienned
1 8-ounce package fresh mozzarella balls (pearls or Ciliegine)
Optional garnish: small breadstick or cheese straws
Instructions
Prepare the dressing by blending the olive oil, basil leaves, salt, and pepper in a blender until almost smooth.
Halve the cherry tomatoes and julienne the remaining basil leaves.
In a large bowl, toss the drained mozzarella balls, basil ribbons, and cherry tomato halves with the prepared dressing until well combined.
For an elegant presentation, divide the salad into individual serving glasses and provide a spoon for easy serving.
Garnish with cheese straws or breadsticks if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 100