Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad
Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad transforms the classic Caprese by slow-roasting tomatoes, intensifying their sweetness and flavor while maintaining the fresh basil and creamy mozzarella. This vibrant, easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer and celebrates simple, bold summer flavors.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe plum or cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls or sliced log
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze or vinegar
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic (optional, for roasting)
- Prepare and Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice larger tomatoes in halves or quarters and toss cherry tomatoes whole with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optionally add garlic cloves for extra flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender, slightly caramelized, and bursting with flavor.
- Arrange the Salad Base: On a serving platter, lay down sliced mozzarella evenly spaced to create a beautiful backdrop for the roasted tomatoes.
- Add the Roasted Tomatoes: Once the tomatoes have cooled slightly, place them atop the mozzarella slices, ensuring the juices drizzle over the cheese for extra moisture and flavor.
- Garnish with Fresh Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter over the tomatoes and cheese, adding aromatic brightness to the dish.
- Dress and Season: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar lightly over the entire salad. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best natural sweetness after roasting.
- Don’t over roast tomatoes; keep some shape to avoid mushiness.
- Let mozzarella come to room temperature for creamier texture and flavor.
- Add basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and green.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance every bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Caprese, roasted tomato, salad, summer salad, Italian, fresh basil, mozzarella