Description
Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Italian Caprese, featuring sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Enhanced by roasting the tomatoes which deepens their natural sweetness and umami, this salad is simple to prepare yet visually stunning and bursting with rich, harmonious flavors. Perfect for light meals, appetizers, or sides during warm weather and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pint ripe cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry or grape tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and bursting with flavor.
- Prepare the Mozzarella: While the tomatoes roast, slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or tear it into rustic chunks to maintain its creamy texture.
- Assemble the Salad: In a serving bowl, combine the warm roasted tomatoes with the mozzarella chunks. Add the fresh basil leaves and gently toss to mix all ingredients without breaking the cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar over the salad for sweetness and acidity. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the roasted tomato Caprese salad warm or at room temperature to fully appreciate the melding of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Choose the ripest tomatoes for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting to ensure even caramelization.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the salad’s richness.
- Add fresh basil last to preserve its vibrant color and herbal aroma.
- For a thicker balsamic drizzle, simmer balsamic vinegar until it reduces and sweetens.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator up to 2 days; store dressing separately if possible.
- This salad does not freeze well due to fresh mozzarella and basil; roast tomatoes separately if freezing is needed.
- Gently reheat roasted tomatoes in a skillet over low heat if you prefer the salad warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad, Caprese Salad, Roasted Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil Salad, Italian Salad, Gluten Free Appetizer
