Description
This Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad transforms the classic caprese into a rich and elegant dish with slow-roasted tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Perfect as a light appetizer or refreshing side dish for gatherings and summer meals.
Ingredients
12 plum tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 ounces fresh mozzarella
12 fresh basil leaves
Extra olive oil for drizzling, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds while keeping the cores intact.
- Arrange the tomatoes cut-side up in a single layer on a sheet pan.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over the tomatoes.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper over the tomatoes.
- Roast for about 2 hours until the tomatoes are tender, concentrated, and lightly caramelized.
- Remove the tomatoes from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella into pieces slightly thinner than 1/2 inch.
- Arrange the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella alternately on a serving platter.
- Scatter the basil leaves over the top and drizzle with additional olive oil if desired before serving.
Notes
For extra sweetness and presentation, drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished salad.
Fresh oregano or thyme can be added for additional herb flavor.
Heirloom tomatoes work beautifully for a colorful variation.
Serve with toasted ciabatta or garlic crostini for a heartier appetizer.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Allow refrigerated salad to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
