Description
Mediterranean charm shines through this effortless cherry tomato caprese salad, blending fresh mozzarella, basil, and ripe tomatoes. You’ll savor classic Italian flavors in a simple, elegant dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pint (473 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 8-ounce (226 grams) package fresh mozzarella balls
- 18 large basil leaves
Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) pepper
Optional Garnish:
- 1 small breadstick or cheese straws
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant herb-infused emulsion by pureeing fresh basil with extra virgin olive oil, seasoning with a pinch of salt and cracked pepper until the mixture transforms into a silky, aromatic dressing.
- Carefully slice cherry tomatoes into delicate halves, revealing their juicy inner landscape and creating an appealing visual texture.
- Delicately transform remaining basil leaves into thin, elegant ribbons using a sharp knife, releasing their fragrant essential oils.
- Gently combine pearl-like mozzarella spheres, tomato halves, and basil ribbons in a spacious mixing vessel, allowing the ingredients to mingle and absorb the herbaceous dressing.
- Artfully distribute the salad into individual serving vessels, creating an elegant presentation that showcases the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
- Enhance the dish with crisp, golden cheese straws or rustic breadsticks for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s optimal temperature and texture, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Blend the dressing ingredients until they create a vibrant, herb-infused sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- Choose ripe, colorful cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and visual appeal in this quick summer dish.
- Drain mozzarella balls thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and ensure the dressing clings beautifully.
- Slice basil leaves into delicate ribbons to release their aromatic oils and distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- Serve immediately after mixing to preserve the fresh texture and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.
- For an elegant touch, use clear serving glasses that showcase the salad’s beautiful layers and bright colors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg