Description
Elevate your classic Caprese salad with roasted tomatoes that bring an incredible depth of flavor. This vibrant dish is perfect as an appetizer, side, or light lunch.
Ingredients
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine)
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Balsamic Glaze
- Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Garlic (optional)
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash your cherry or grape tomatoes thoroughly. If they are larger, halve them to expose more surface area for caramelization.
- Place the prepared tomatoes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If using garlic or red pepper flakes, add them now.
- Toss everything gently until the tomatoes are evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes soften, wrinkle, and some burst.
- Once roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tomatoes cool for about 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare your fresh mozzarella by halving bocconcini or ciliegine, or tearing/slicing a larger ball into bite-sized pieces. Drain any excess liquid.
- Wash and pat dry your fresh basil leaves, tearing larger leaves into smaller pieces just before assembling.
- In a shallow serving dish, artfully arrange the slightly cooled roasted tomatoes. Intersperse the fresh mozzarella pieces among the tomatoes.
- Scatter the fresh basil leaves generously over the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle the salad with an additional tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil.
- Zigzag a pattern of balsamic glaze over the salad. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: For the best flavor, let the fresh mozzarella come to room temperature before serving. Consider making your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.